Third-graders at Rowland Elementary brought African-American history to life with a living wax museum in the school cafeteria on Friday, March 13, 2015. Each student selected a prominent or influential African-American figure from U.S. history, and conducted research on the individual’s life and accomplishments. Using information from their research, students then created a tri-fold presentation board featuring pictures, important biographical information, as well as key accomplishments and contributions of the historical figure.
During the living wax museum, students stood in front of their tri-fold presentation board and portrayed their character using various costumes, props and make-up. Each student remained in a frozen position until a parent or family member pressed a “Push Play” button on their shirt, upon which the student sprang to life and began a presentation in-character about their historical figure’s life and accomplishments. Selected figures included Frederick Douglass, Joe Louis and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as lesser known, but influential individuals, including Toni Stone, the first African-American woman to play professional baseball. The SEL schools congratulate the third-grade students at Rowland Elementary for their creative and informative presentations!