Indigenous people of the Great Plains region are famous artists, historians, activists, among many other professions. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives, and perspectives of Native Americans. In this activity, students will research a person and then create a biography poster highlighting their accomplishments.
Using one of the templates or starting from scratch on the poster layout, students will build up a profile of their chosen figure. Depending on requirements or complexity, students can add timelines to their posters. However, the wide variety of characters, scenes, and items makes it very easy for students to customize their project to fit any guidelines.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Some examples of people to research:
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous or notable person that is of Indigenous heritage from the Great Plains Region. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishment.
Gather primary sources such as photos, letters, or oral histories about your chosen figure. Primary sources bring authenticity and help students connect with real voices and experiences.
Show students how to look for details, context, and point of view in a primary source. Analyzing sources deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking about Indigenous history.
Help students pick a meaningful document, quote, or image that highlights their person’s life or achievements. Choosing wisely makes the biography poster more personal and informative.
Ask students to write a brief caption or note on their poster explaining why the primary source is important. This reflection helps them summarize key insights and share new perspectives.
Encourage students to present their posters, sharing what they learned from the primary source. Class discussions promote empathy and appreciation for Indigenous stories and achievements.
A biography poster project for Indigenous People of the Plains is an activity where students research a notable Native American from the Great Plains region and create a visual display highlighting their life, achievements, and impact. The project combines research skills with creative presentation to deepen understanding of Indigenous history and culture.
Guide students by providing a list of notable figures such as Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Susan La Flesche Picotte, Zitkala-Sa, Maria Tallchief, and Frank Waln. Encourage them to select someone who interests them or aligns with class themes, and use school-approved resources for research.
A strong biography poster should include the person’s name, image, dates of birth and death (if applicable), and a summary of their major accomplishments. Adding timelines, visuals, and descriptive text makes the poster more engaging and informative.
Yes, there are biography poster templates available that help students organize information and add creative elements. Teachers can find these templates online or adapt existing ones to fit the Indigenous People of the Plains assignment.
Keep instructions clear and step-by-step, provide visual examples, allow students to choose figures they’re interested in, and supply customizable templates. Encourage use of pictures, timelines, and colorful designs to make the project fun and accessible.