There are many interesting and influential people related to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad that students can research to gain a deeper understanding of its construction and its impact. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives and diverse perspectives of different people. In this activity, students will research a person and then create a biography poster highlighting their accomplishments or notable moments.
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Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous or notable person (or group of people) related to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Create a biography poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishments.
Empower your students to share their research with clarity and pride by preparing them for engaging presentations. This helps build communication skills and deepens understanding.
Show students what a successful presentation looks like by sharing a sample poster and demonstrating clear, expressive speaking. Highlight how to introduce the person, share key facts, and explain why their accomplishments matter.
Pair students up and have them take turns presenting to each other. Encourage active listening and provide a simple checklist for giving kind, helpful feedback on speaking volume, eye contact, and poster clarity.
Remind students to point to images and key words on their posters while speaking. This keeps the audience engaged and helps presenters stay on track.
After each student presents, offer specific praise for their effort and unique insights. Foster a supportive classroom environment by inviting a round of applause or a short positive comment from the audience.
The Transcontinental Railroad biography poster activity asks students to research a notable person connected to the railroad's construction and create a poster highlighting their accomplishments, life dates, and contributions. This hands-on project helps students understand the history and diverse figures involved.
Students can research key figures like Oakes Ames, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford, Theodore Judah, Abraham Lincoln, and Chinese immigrant railroad workers. The list includes engineers, financiers, politicians, and diverse laborers who played vital roles in building the Transcontinental Railroad.
Teachers can support students by providing biography poster templates, clear requirements (name, image, birth/death dates, accomplishments), and research tips. Encouraging creativity and the use of images and descriptive words helps students make engaging posters.
A complete biography poster should feature the person’s name, image, birth and death dates, and a list of their key accomplishments or notable moments related to the Transcontinental Railroad. Visuals and brief descriptions enhance understanding.
Learning about these individuals gives students a deeper, more compassionate understanding of the railroad’s history, highlighting diverse perspectives and the cultural impact of this major American achievement.