What kind of problem do you want to solve when you grow up? That’s what South third graders explored as they learned about different careers and considered what they wanted to be as an adult.
After weeks of researching, writing and creating, the students got all dressed up and took their project to the Ozark Innovation Center on Jan. 24 to show off what they learned to staff, family and even high school students during the live Career Wax Museum.
The halls of the OIC were full of different professions, ranging from police officers, to astronauts, to teachers, to hairdressers, to zookeepers, to botanists, to doctors, to lawyers, and everything in between.
“There was a huge variety, but they all have a desire to solve a world problem,” said Shelly Chesick, South third-grade teacher. “That’s what we love about this project so much. It’s not just about what they are going to be or what they want to be, but what kind of problem they can solve when they grow up.”
Third-grader Adelyn Dikarev said the project was a lot of fun and she learned about the hard work it takes to have a successful career.
“I learned that careers, you have to go through school a lot and you have to know what they do,” she said. “I want to be a vet when I grow up because I love animals. I have a German shepherd, his name is Jack, and two American short-haired cats. I really love to play with them.”
South started hosting the Career Wax Museum about six years ago after an idea from Counselor Paul Goode. It was such a success that the project has continued to grow through the years.
“My favorite part is seeing how involved the kids and parents get. And now, the community is getting involved,” Goode said, adding that a police officer even dropped off a fingerprint test kit for a student.
This year the live wax museum expanded into the newly-opened Ozark Innovation Center.
“The Innovation Center is a building for students to share and explore their career choices,” Chesick said. “So, this is the perfect place for our students to come and share their careers with their parents and grandparents, older Ozark students, and some community professionals.”
Goode said this project is always extremely impactful to the students.
“They are so excited that what they have researched is getting shared. It’s not just a project, not just an assignment. It has tangible results to them,” he said.
