Researching real people helps students to gain a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives, and diverse perspectives of people who lived through and experienced the Holocaust. This helps them go beyond simply memorizing dates and names to acquire a more substantial, empathetic, and realistic view of the period. Oskar Schindler is considered to be a hero by many people. He saved the lives of over 1,200 Jewish men, women, and children by employing them in his factory. For this activity, students will research Oskar Schindler and create a biography poster about his life. As an extension activity or another option, teachers may have the students choose another person who survived or helped others survive the Holocaust.
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Due Date:
Objective: Research Oskar Schindler. Create a mini biography of his life in the form of a poster that highlights important events and accomplishments in his life.
Student Instructions:
Enhance your poster activity by guiding students to include primary sources, such as photographs, survivor testimonies, or historical documents. Using authentic materials helps students build a stronger connection with history and develop critical thinking skills.
Demonstrate how to use trusted resources like museums, archives, and educational websites. Show students how to evaluate sources for accuracy and relevance so their posters reflect factual information.
Guide students to write clear, meaningful captions for each image or event on their poster. Captions should explain why each event was important and how it impacted Oskar Schindler or people during the Holocaust.
After posters are complete, organize a gallery walk where students view each other's work and provide constructive feedback. This encourages reflection, builds communication skills, and helps students appreciate diverse perspectives.
A biography poster activity about Oskar Schindler is an assignment where students research his life and create a poster that highlights key events and accomplishments, helping them understand his role during the Holocaust.
Guide students to use reliable resources such as books, documentaries, and trusted websites to gather information about Oskar Schindler's life, impact, and legacy. Encourage note-taking and summarizing important facts for their posters.
Include Oskar Schindler’s full name, birth and death dates, major accomplishments (like saving 1,200 Jews), important life events, and brief captions or scenes that illustrate his actions during the Holocaust.
Creating a biography poster fosters empathy and deeper understanding by encouraging students to explore real stories and perspectives from the Holocaust, moving beyond memorization to meaningful learning.
You can find biography poster templates on educational resource websites, teacher forums, or by searching for printable templates tailored to grades 6–12. Many are customizable for classroom use.