Explain to students that they will each choose a famous historical figure from a selected time period covered in class. Students will then research the character in the library and choose various talking points. If desired, have students write an essay about the person. Encourage students to come up with a costume and create a paper button that, when visitors push it, will cause them to "magically" come to life and share some brief facts about their chosen person. They should make posters detailing the date and time of the event. Tell students that on the day of the museum they will assume a pose. After they are finished telling their story, they should return to their frozen pose.
Give students an opportunity to act out a scene from a book read aloud in class. Divide the class into groups of four or five students. Assign a different section of the book to each group. Explain to students that they should create a script. Then gather materials for costumes and practice their play several times. After students have had plenty of time to work on their play, ask them to present it in front of the class. Make sure that students understand that you will be looking for certain things to be included in the play. Before students act out their scene allow them to look over a rubric that will be used for grading.
Create an assignment for students in which they have the chance to be a television star. Tell students that they will work together to create a show about a recent scientific discovery. This show could be in a talk show format, or set up like a game show or a news segment. Explain to students that they should write a script and include information that is relevant to recent science lessons. Instead of asking students to perform in front of the class, take time to capture their segments on video. Later, have a special viewing complete with drinks and snacks where students and parents can watch the show together. Students will be motivated to do their best when they know that their show will be seen by so many others.
For this role playing activity, tell students to select a favorite book. Students should bring a copy of the book to you for approval. Explain to students that they should choose a character that they would like to role play. Students should come up with a book review that would be given by that character. Tell students that they should speak from a first person point of view and attempt to persuade other students to read the book. Encourage students to use catchy sayings or humor as if they were advertising the book.