Celebrating Black History Month with a Wax Museum

A wax museum has been a key part of the Black History Month festivities at Newberry Math and Science Academy for almost a decade now. However, this year, for the first time, it focused exclusively on Black mathematicians, scientists, and inventors. Third-grade students each selected someone to research, learning about how these Black heroes have positively impacted our society. 

With Newberry being a math and science magnet school, this shift directly connected to the school’s academic priorities. The students reacted extremely positively to it! We caught up with Ms. Emily Miller and Ms. Sarah Callahan, both third-grade teachers at Newberry, to learn more about what made this wax museum so successful. Read more below.

Why do you think your students enjoyed this project so much? 

In the past, we let students generally pick anyone they wanted for the museum. This led to a lot of repetition year after year. Focusing on mathematicians, scientists, and inventors helped our students focus on some individuals who may not be considered “famous,” but have still made really awesome contributions to our world. 

What were your parents’ responses to this event? 

Our hearts have never been bigger. So many families came up to us and told us how lovely and wonderful it was. You could just feel the sense of community and connection in the room. There was also a deep sense of pride. Our parents were so proud of their students and our students were so proud of themselves. 

What academic skills do you hope your students take away from this project? 

Speaking skills are obviously very important. Our students had to develop strength and power in their voices, as well as enthusiasm. There was also a big writing and researching component to this museum. It was a good opportunity to remind our students about plagiarism. We told them that you cannot steal someone else’s thinking and claim it as your own. You have to come up with your own way of putting it. 

What advice would you give to a teacher who wants to implement a similar project as part of their curriculum? 

Give your students autonomy. Let them decide what they think is important. When they have their own input, they can surprise you in the best way and in ways you don’t always anticipate. You might think a student is going one way and they go another way, but they still come out with a beautiful project and a great understanding of their subject. When you set the bar high, it’s so rewarding to see your students exceed those expectations and even teach their peers. 

What is your message to your students for the rest of Black History Month and the rest of the school year? 

We are very focused on making sure our students know that they’re important. Our message is to remind them that, every day when they come to school, they matter and have something to contribute. We’re so proud of them and appreciate each and every one of them.