One of the ways students can learn more about a place is by researching some of its famous residents! In this activity, students will create a biography poster of a notable figure from the country they are studying. They 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! While pop culture and sports figures from a country can be appealing, students should be encouraged to focus on figures who had impacts in history, literature, politics, science, and more.
These posters can be printed, laminated, and hung around the classroom or school. Students can present their posters to their classmates, adding a public speaking component to the project. Teachers can also 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 "Changemaker" or important person from the country you were assigned and create a biography poster about them.
Student Instructions:
Invite students to role-play as their chosen notable figure and participate in a classroom 'interview day.' This engages students in active learning by having them answer questions from classmates and teachers as if they are the person they've researched. This activity builds speaking confidence and encourages deeper understanding of their figure's life and impact.
Guide students to use library books, trusted websites, and biography worksheets to gather facts about their chosen figure's life, achievements, and challenges. Encourage note-taking and citing sources for accuracy.
Work with students to develop answers to common interview questions using first-person language as if they are the historical figure. This step deepens empathy and understanding of perspective.
Arrange desks or tables in a circle or small groups to create an inviting interview space. Assign interviewers and audience roles so each student has a chance to ask and answer questions. Display posters or props to add excitement!
Lead a conversation about what students learned from becoming and interviewing changemakers. Highlight new insights about history and culture. Encourage students to share their favorite discoveries.
A biography poster activity is a classroom project where students research a famous person and create a visual poster highlighting key facts about their life, achievements, and impact. This helps students develop research, organization, and presentation skills.
Teachers can support students by providing a curated list of notable figures, offering resources like a picture encyclopedia of biographies, or allowing students to select someone who interests them. Guiding students toward individuals with significant historical, cultural, or scientific impact ensures meaningful learning.
A strong biography poster should feature the person's name, key life facts, education, major accomplishments, and their impact on their country or the world. Including images, character illustrations, and relevant symbols helps make the poster engaging and informative.
Engaging presentation ideas include having students present their posters to the class, organizing a gallery walk where students tour posters like a museum, or displaying posters around the school to celebrate diversity and achievement.
You can find ready-to-use biography poster templates and history infographic templates on educational websites, teacher resource platforms, and within picture encyclopedias of biographies. These resources make it easier for students to structure and design their projects.