A Changemaker Project is a popular way for middle school students to learn about different people from throughout history and all over the globe and research how they have positively impacted the world today.
In this activity, students will create a biography poster of someone past or present that was a positive agent of change. Students should be sure to include facts about their life, education, work, and more. As they research, they can use biography worksheets to keep track of information. Teachers may allow students to choose someone on their own, or provide a list for students to choose from. Our picture encyclopedia of biographies can be a great place to start! Students can find figures who have impacted history, literature, politics, science, and more! This example focuses on the life of Ida B. Wells, and can be used as a guide to show students what is possible. Their poster could be on any important Changemaker from history!
When finished, students' Changemaker posters can be printed, laminated, and hung around the classroom or school. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, adding a public speaking component to the project. Teachers may wish to organize a "gallery walk" where students have the opportunity to walk around as if they are in a museum and learn more about the lives of changemakers and notable figures from around the world!
For more templates to add to this assignment, check out our history infographic templates and biography poster templates!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a person who has had a positive impact on the world. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, at least 5 important additional facts or accomplishments.
Differentiate research tasks by assigning leveled resources or guiding questions. This ensures every student can access information at their own reading level or language ability.
Demonstrate note-taking by filling out a biography worksheet together as a class. Students see how to organize facts and avoid copying full sentences.
Pair students to discuss findings and help each other with tricky parts. This builds collaboration and deepens understanding of each changemaker.
Provide image-rich materials or timelines to clarify complex historical facts. Visuals support students who are visual learners or have emerging language skills.
Schedule quick conferences or progress checks for students to share what they've found. This helps you catch misunderstandings early and keep everyone on track.
A Changemaker Biography Project is an activity where middle school students research and create a poster about a person from history or the present who has made a positive impact on the world. Students highlight key facts, accomplishments, and the individual's influence, developing research and presentation skills.
To choose a person, consider figures who have influenced history, literature, politics, science, or social change. You can use a teacher-provided list, explore a picture encyclopedia of biographies, or select someone who inspires you as a changemaker.
A student’s biography poster should include the person’s name, image, dates of birth and death (if applicable), and at least 5 important facts or accomplishments. Additional details like education, key life events, and major contributions help provide a full picture.
Creative options include printing and laminating posters, organizing a gallery walk where students tour and view each other's projects, and having students present their biography posters to the class, building public speaking skills.
Students can use biography worksheets to track research, explore history infographic templates, and utilize biography poster templates. These resources make it easier to organize information and design visually appealing posters.