CCSD photo
A Numa student, who was not identified by the school, shows his Numaseum project.
“History comes alive at the Numaseum!
“Each fifth-grade student has been tasked with selecting an important figure or event from history and bringing it to life. After weeks of hard work and research, the students arrived 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 fifth-grade teacher Kristina Lee at Numa Elementary School described Numa’s most treasured annual event — Numaseum.
Numa fifth-grade students and teachers wait for this event every year. Whether students saw it as fourth graders or saw 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. Staff members understand that students have a hard time waiting until the spring because they do too, but they said it is always worth the wait.
“The fifth grade Numaseum is one of our favorite events at Numa,” said school counselor Noreen Swensen. “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.”
In March students chose 20 topics of interest. Then the teachers did a draft where classes were 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,” said fifth grade teacher Lisa Solinski. “When the last class goes to choose topics, we hope those students still have a topic they are interested in that is available.”
Once students chose their topic, they began researching and organizing their information almost immediately. Students then wrote a report from the information they gathered, picked out the most important and interesting facts about their topic and wrote a short speech to present during Numaseum. They repeatedly practice their speech at home, and in front of their peers in class before the event.
“It is fun to see our families also get involved as they help their students practice their speeches and plan their costumes,” Swenson said. “
Sometimes the students are nervous about doing their presentations in front of others, but the teachers are great at encouraging and helping them prepared.”
Students also had to make presentation boards that are used to give attendees an idea of the students' topic. They used 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,” Solinski said.
“It is fun to see their creativity shine through and see how passionate they become about their topic of choice,” Solinski said. “The students put a lot of time and hard work into this project and preparing for the big night. They are even encouraged to dress up. Students dressed as presidents, famous outlaws, artists, athletes, astronauts, military personnel, bull riders,
Sacagawea, Martin Luther King, and many others.”
The night of the event took attendees back in time as they visit the cafeteria, P.E. 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.
The students had fun and it was obvious how much time and dedication they put into their projects. Numa fifth grade teacher Trudy Mills had her students fill out a survey about their experience.
Numaseum is one of the largest events during the school year. Students, teachers and parents anticipated this night, and the enthusiasm and dedication they all give to their presentations is something special.
Purell said he 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,” he said. “I am always impressed to see the angles students take on the same topics every year.”
Kaitlyn Ritchie is public information officer with the Churchill County School District.
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