2nd Grade Live Wax Museum
This year my 2nd grade team and I have tried to steer away from pencil and paper test in Science and Social Studies. Instead of tests, we have moved to project based learning. Our team embraced the new social studies standard, SS.2.20, determine the influence of particular individuals and groups who have shaped significant historical change, with a live wax museum. Each student chose an influential figure to research and portray during the event. I wanted the students to use technology as a research and organization tool, which was new for most. The students and I first talked about digital citizenship. Then they hopped onto their computers and started researching. I was amazed how easy researching was for my students! Next, the students created a Google Slides Presentation of their figure to organize their information. Last, they converted the information to a poster.
After making their posters, students then memorized their facts and rehearsed the role of their influential figure. The day of the event, students were in full costume and character as they welcomed guests to the live wax museum. Students were well supported by their parents and family members in attendance. Even school board members and our Superintendent came!
All the 2nd grade teachers were amazed by the student and family involvement and we’re excited to make it an annual event. Below is a few pictures of our Live Wax Museum!
Digital Citizenship Like I mentioned above, the students and I had a pretty intense conversation about digital citizenship. First, we discussed how important it is to stay on websites that are appropriate, and if something pops up that they don’t think is appropriate, they need to tell a teacher. Next, the class talked about the importance of not talking to strangers online. If an advertisement or someone they don’t know tries emailing you, once again, it’s important to tell an adult. Lastly, I told the students that copying information right from the internet or a book is called plagiarizing. I showed the students ways to write the information down instead of copying word for word. This long conversation was engaging for students and I think they took a lot from the talk.
Teaching in 2nd Grade 
Oh my goodness! I’m LOVING this!!! Your students are so resourceful and clever with their outfits! I also think that it is awesome that you are incorporating digital tools for this assignment and using the opportunity to speak with them about digital citizenship. Great job in laying that critical piece of foundation. And lastly, huge kudos to you for involving parents/guardians/community. It offers them a chance to partake in the learning process and it also allows them to help foster a powerful relationship with their kiddos that’s centered around learning. I’m sure that this is something that they will remember for years. Very impactful. Great job!
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Thank you for your kind words! My students loved every part of this project. My team and I couldn’t believe how many parents and community members came through our rooms. We’ve already talked about moving the museum into the gym next year to have more space.
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