Grade 7 Students Explore Inspirational Figures During the Artifact Fair 

Grade 7 students transformed research into storytelling last week as they presented during the Artifact Fair, showcasing months of study focused on influential figures from history, sports, science, activism and the arts.

According to Christie McMahon, Middle School English teacher, for the past two months, grade 7 students immersed themselves in memoirs, autobiographies and biographies with the goal of becoming experts on an inspirational person of their choosing. Through close reading and analysis, students identified defining moments in their subject’s life, including major achievements, turning points and challenges described as “pinnacles,” “crossroads” and “obstacles.”

Using those moments, grade 7 students selected meaningful artifacts to symbolize the experiences that shaped their chosen individual’s journey. The project combined literary analysis with expository writing, as students drafted informational passages explaining the significance of each event and artifact.

The unit concluded in the creation of display boxes filled with symbolic objects representing the lives and legacies of the inspirational figures they studied. From recreated personal items to visual representations of achievements and hardships, the displays reflected both creativity and thoughtful research.

The Artifact Fair provided students with an opportunity to present their learning to their peers Grades 4 and 5 students visited the showcase, where grade 7 students shared the stories behind their projects and explained the lessons they learned through their research.

Beyond highlighting academic growth. “The event also fostered leadership and mentorship, as older students guided younger peers through the exhibits and modeled public speaking, presentation and storytelling skills,” said Mrs. McMahon.