“History comes alive at the Numaseum. Each fifth-grade student is tasked with selecting an important figure or event from history and bringing it to life. After weeks of hard work and research, the students arrive for an evening of history and fun, dressed in their historical costumes, ready to share what they've learned. Visitors can span history and the globe, visiting different countries, cultures, and timelines, all within the halls of Numa.” This is how 5th grade teacher Kristina Lee at Numa Elementary school, describes Numa’s most treasured annual event - Numaseum.
Numa 5th grade students and teachers wait for this event every year. Whether students saw it as 4th graders or got to see an older sibling, friend, or cousin participate in this fun event, it is something they look forward to and ask about at the start of the school year. “The 5th grade Numaseum is one of our favorite events at Numa. On the evening of the event, the students are enthusiastic and proud to present what they have done, and it is greatly enjoyed by all.” said school counselor Noreen Swensen.
Students got started on March 11th when they got to choose 20 topics of interest. Then the teachers do a draft where classes are chosen at random to select their topic. Once a topic is chosen it is marked off the list of options. "This is why we have students make such a large list. When the last class goes to choose topics, we hope those students still have a topic they are interested in that is available," said 5th grade teacher Lisa Solinski.
Once students choose their topic, they begin researching and organizing their information. Students then write a report from the information they gather, pick out the most important and interesting facts about their topic and write a short speech to present during Numaseum. “It is fun to see our families also get involved as they help their students practice their speeches and plan their costumes. Sometimes the students are nervous about doing their presentations in front of others, but the teachers are great at encouraging and helping them prepare,” Swenson said.
Students also have to make presentation boards that are used to give attendees an idea of the students' topic. They use timelines, map illustrations, photos, fabrics, and other materials on their boards to depict their historical figures and events. “Our students are so dedicated to this project. It is fun to see their creativity shine through and see how passionate they become about their topic of choice,” said Solinski. The students put a lot of time and hard work into this project and preparing for the big night.
The night of the event takes attendees back in time as they visit the cafeteria, PE room, Library, and classrooms. Students are dressed in costumes to represent their historical figure or event they stand by their presentation boards, ready to present their topic to attendees. It is truly like stepping into the halls of a museum and taking a walk through interactive exhibits.
Numaseum is one of the largest events during the school year. Students, teachers, and parents anticipate this night, and the enthusiasm and dedication they all give to their presentations is something special. Numa Principal Shawn Purell is amazed by the projects students present every year. "It is an excellent representation of our students and their incredible teachers, and every year seems to be different than the last. I am always impressed to see the angles students take on the same topics every year,” said Purell.
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