NBA player Larry Bird, singer Janet Jackson, astronaut Kevin Ford and cartoonist Jim Davis all have something in common. They are from Indiana.

Fourth grade students at Wea Ridge Elementary School researched those famous Hoosiers and others as part of a living wax museum project.

“I wanted the kids to pick someone they could connect with and become the person instead of just learning facts about them,” says teacher Jen Puetz. “They took ownership of their project by creating boards and a costume to compliment their presentation.”

Students stood quietly by their poster boards until someone tapped the display and the characters came to life to present fun facts.

Student Penelope Clark says she chose aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart because she is a great role model, especially for women. She says, “One interesting fact I learned is that Amelia actually rode in a plane that the Wright Brothers created.”

Students also portrayed MLB player Clayton Richard, WNBA player Kelly Faris and country music singer Karen Fairchild.

“This activity gave students an opportunity to learn about historical and modern figures who have helped shape history, and form a promising future for Indiana and the world,” Puetz says.