Wax Museum Speech Lesson

We’re learning to create speeches about our favorite STEAM figures. Let’s explore what makes a great speech!

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​Let’s Write an Amazing Wax Museum Speech!

Your speech should have:

1. An introduction: Who are you and why are you famous?

2. Background: When and where did you live?

3. Achievements: What cool STEAM things did you do?

4. A closing: End with a strong goodbye!"

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What Should be in the Speech?

Facts matter!
Make sure your information is:

• Correct (check names, dates, and places).

• About your STEAM figure’s most important work.

• Telling us why their achievements still matter today.

What’s Your Story?

Let's Write Clearly!
To keep you audience listening:

• Use full sentences.

• Capitalize names and places.

• Check your spelling and punctuation!

Tick-Tock: Keep it Just Right!
Your speech should be 30-60 secs.

• Too short? Add more details.

• Too long? Focus on the most important facts.

Can You Spot the Best Speech?

You Be Judge!

• Let’s read three mini-speeches. Which one meets the rubric best?"

  
  Activity: Read each aloud and use the rubric to determine if the speech is:
  Meeting Expectations, Approaching Expectations, or Needs Major Improvement.

Multiple Choice

Thomas Edison was an inventor. He invented the light bulb. He lived a long time ago. He made stuff. That’s it.

• Meeting Expectations
  (Good)

• Approaching Expectations
  (Okay)

• Needs Major Improvement
  (Poor)

POOR

Why is it poor?

• Minimal information (no introduction, background, or closing).

• Lacks details on STEAM achievements.

• Short, disorganized, and underdeveloped.

Multiple Choice

I was a famous inventor. I was born in 1847 and I is known for creating the light bulb and phonograph. I worked hard in his laboratory to create new inventions that changed the world. His light bulb helped people see in the dark. My ideas were important. He died in 1931.

• Meeting Expectations
  (Good)

• Approaching Expectations
  (Okay)

• Needs Major Improvement
  (Poor)

OKAY

Why is it okay?

• Not totally written in first-person.

• Covers some basic details (birth date, major inventions).

• Provides a little context about his work.

• Lacks transitions, detailed achievements, and a strong closing.

Multiple Choice

"Hello! My name is Thomas Edison, and I’m often called the ‘Wizard of Menlo Park.’ I was born in 1847 and grew up in Ohio, where I became curious about how things worked. My most famous invention is the electric light bulb, which replaced candles and gas lamps, brightening homes and streets around the world. I also created the phonograph, the first device to record and play sound, and worked on the first motion picture camera. My laboratory was a hub for innovation, with over 1,000 patents to my name. Through hard work and determination, I’ve helped shape the modern world. Thank you!"

• Meeting Expectations
  (Good)

• Approaching Expectations
  (Okay)

• Needs Major Improvement
  (Poor)

Good

Why is it good?

• Includes all required components (introduction, background, achievements, and closing).

• Smooth transitions and comprehensive details on STEAM achievements.

• Engaging, organized, and appropriate length for the time requirement.