At Heritage Elementary, fourth graders don’t just learn about history—they bring it to life. Each year, students participate in the Traveling Wax Museum, an interactive experience where they research and portray influential historical figures.
Starting in January, students choose the figure they will portray then begin research, complete worksheets and write first-person speeches about a historical figure they admire. They also create tri-fold posters showcasing their findings.
On the big day, these "wax figures" travel from pod to pod, presenting to fellow students, who follow a bingo-style scavenger hunt to discover athletes, artists, Civil War veterans, and more.
Fourth grade teacher Sarah Strout calls this the best day of fourth grade, saying the confidence on her students' faces after delivering their speeches is priceless.
Tonight, families will get to experience the Wax Museum firsthand, making this tradition a true highlight of the fourth grade year.