The Tinora Elementary cafeteria transformed into a living museum as fourth-grade students showcased their annual Ohio Wax Museum project, bringing famous Ohioans to life.
Dressed as historical figures, athletes, inventors, entertainers, and other notable Ohioans, students stood proudly beside tri-fold displays they had created after weeks of preparation. Parents, staff members, and fellow students were invited to tour the museum, where each "wax figure" came to life when approached, sharing facts about their person and explaining the accomplishments that made them famous.
Fourth-grade teacher Ms. Jenni Saner began the project more than a decade ago as a creative way to culminate students' study of Ohio history.
"About 10-15 years ago, I started looking into some ways to bring a fun project-based way to culminate the year learning about Ohio," Saner said. "We study famous Ohioans and their contributions in our curriculum, so this was a fun way to learn about them in an alternative way and expand to learn about more people in other fields."
Throughout the project, students developed a variety of academic and life skills. They conducted research, organized information, created timelines, and followed multiple steps to complete their displays and presentations. Students also had the opportunity to show their creativity through the design of their backdrop boards and costumes.
While the project requires hard work and dedication, Saner believes that challenge is what makes the experience so meaningful.
"Project-based learning is hard, and that's exactly why it's so good for them," she explained. "Because all students have their own unique person, the engagement of every student is outstanding. They have guidelines and a rubric, but there is also a degree of open-endedness that allows them to create as they choose. These opportunities also help build resilience and a growth mindset."
One of the most exciting moments for students comes when they discover which famous Ohioan they will portray. Whether they receive a requested figure or are introduced to someone new, students eagerly take on the challenge and spend weeks preparing for the big day.
For Saner, seeing the final product is the highlight of the entire experience.
"Seeing all of it come together on Wax Museum Day is by far the highlight," she said. "This is when they see the sum of the parts and how it all comes together after a couple weeks of hard work and preparation."
The event also serves as an opportunity to bring the school community together. Younger students enjoy getting a glimpse of what awaits them in fourth grade, while parents and staff members celebrate the students' accomplishments.
"It's great to see the elementary students come through and get a little taste of what is to come when they get to fourth grade," Saner said. "The staff members and parents visiting is one of the students' favorite things. The students love when their former teachers get to come and 'meet' them."
As visitors moved through the museum, students shared their knowledge and stepped outside their comfort zones. According to Saner, that's one of the lessons she hopes they carry with them long after the project ends.
"I hope the students remember how rewarding it was to get outside of their comfort zone and see the result of all the hard work," she said. "Getting to experience being 'famous' for the day is something that seems to stand out."
The Ohio Wax Museum continues to be a memorable tradition that allows Tinora's fourth graders to learn history in a truly unforgettable way!
