Living Wax Museum Rubric
Living Wax Museum Rubric
You will be participating in a living wax museum! This activity requires you to
identify significant contributions of a famous person from history. The “living wax
museum” is a collection of visual displays where students, dressed as famous
individuals, stand at attention, while visitors walk around and tour exhibits
illustrating the life of the person represented.
Step 1:
You will research the figure that you have chosen. Use the attached form to help
you get the facts you need to complete the assignment.
Step 2:
You will create a display board with illustrations and details to identity facts about
your historical figure.
Step 3:
You will write a 10-20 second summary (oral presentation) introducing important
facts about your figure to the museum visitors. This summary will be written on
note cards for reference on the day of the living wax museum. You must have your
summary/speech memorized! The note cards are only a tool in case you become a
bit nervous during the wax museum. You should not have to rely on the note cards
throughout the presentation.
Step 4:
From research, you will put together a simple costume that represents the person
you are portraying. You may also use props to help you depict the figure. The
costume will be worn during the presentation.
Step 5:
On the Living Wax Museum Day, you will set up a station complete with posters,
props, etc. You will have your presentation notes handy. You will also have a
“button” that guests will press in order to have you start saying your oral
presentation (we will be making the ‘buttons’ in class).
Step 6:
Invited students and faculty will visit the museum. When the guests pass the
historical figure and push the button, you will recite your “speech”. You should
remain “in character” at all times during the Living Wax Museum.
This is what you will be graded on:
I. Display Board (50 points)
A. Character’s Name & Picture/Portrait (10 points)
Character’s name - 2”-3” in height, centered at top of poster
Portrait of individual centered below the title
B. Vital Statistics-choose at least four from the following: (15 points)
Date and location of birth and death - mandatory
Family (spouse, children, etc.)
Childhood
Education
Hobbies/Passions
Other important information
C. Major Accomplishments (15 points)
List and describe this person’s major accomplishments
What was this person’s significant contribution to society?
D. Board Presentation (10 points)
Make display board pleasing to the reader- add an attractive
border design and/or other pictures
Put your name in the lower right hand corner
Be creative and neat…i.e. measure, write in straight lines,
appropriate use of color, eye-catching
Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation
II. Presentation (50points)
A. Costume, Props, Character Portrayal (25 points)
What do I plan to wear? What props do I need? What poses
would be appropriate for my character?
B. Oral Presentation (25 points)
Make sure you have your oral presentation memorized
Make sure your oral presentation is between 10-20 seconds long
Make sure you include all of the information required
Speak loudly and clearly (practice this part!)
Use the attached form to help you research your famous person. Once you’ve
collected all of your facts, put it into a speech presentation format. Write it as if
you are this person, using ‘I’ in place of ‘she’ or ‘he’. When you practice saying the
speech, make sure you speak in the first person point of view.
NAME _____________________________
Use this form to help guide your research. Once you’ve collected all of your facts, put it into
a 10-20 second oral presentation. Write it in the “first person” point of view, using “I”
instead of “he” or “she”.
OUTLINEFOR WAX MUSEUM NOTES
Famous Individual: ______________________________________________
What he/she is famous for (this must be included in your
presentation): ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
___________
Childhood-
-When and where they were born:
-Family life:
-Where they grew up:
-Likes or interests as a child:
-Other important information about their childhood:
Education
-Grade School, high school, college, no education:
Adulthood
-Jobs:
-Married and/or family:
-Where they lived:
Other:
-Highlights of life or career:
-When, where and how this person died (if known):
Other Quick Facts:
Remember, this is just a guide to help you with your presentation. You don’t need to
include all of the facts listed above, and you may even find some interesting
facts that aren’t listed that you may want to include in your presentation.
Your oral presentation should include at least:
1. Three facts about their childhood/early years
2. Three facts about their adult life/later years
3. What they are famous or well known for
DUE DATE FOR SUBMITTINGNAMES FOR WAX MUSEUM CHARACTER:
___________________________________.
DUE DATE FOR FINAL PROJECT/DISPLAYBOARD:
___________________________________.