Fifth grade students assumed the roles of about 45 historical people, including Albert Einstein, Ghandi, and Georgia O’Keefe, in a multi-phase project in biography.
Over five weeks, students worked on a biography book report assignment. Students read a book on a person (living or deceased) who has made an impact in government or politics, history, arts, social justice, education or science. Students were then required to write a book report.
For the final part of the assignment, each student shared a two- to three-minute presentation while dressed in costume.
Students first performed in front of classmates, but, on Feb. 10, family and friends were invited to experience the presentations in a “living museum” in the Auten Road Intermediate School cafetorium.
When visitors stepped in front of the student and pressed a display button, the student came to life in character. Each performer shared reflections and quotes from the famous person’s life and also advice based on the person’s philosophies. The assignment was designed to touch on several content standards of the curriculum, including reading comprehension and writing.
”The students jumped feet first into this project,” said Mary LaPlaca and Nicole Brameyer, 5th grade teachers. “The students found the variety of biographic characters interesting and were excited to be performing in an interactive exhibit for their family and friends.”

