Activity Overview
There are many interesting and influential people throughout Canadian history that students can research to gain a deeper understanding of Canada's past and present. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives and diverse perspectives of different people. Students will research a person and then create a Biography Poster highlighting their accomplishments or notable moments.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Notable Figures in Canadian History
- Laura Secord (1775-1868)
- Chief Tecumseh (1767-1813)
- Mary Brant and Joseph Brant
- Lord Durham (1792-1840)
- Louis Hippolyte LaFontaine (1807-1864)
- Robert Baldwin (1804-1858)
- George-Etienne Cartier (1814-1873)
- Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823–1893)
- Nahnebahwequay, Catherine Sutton (1824–1865)
- Gabriel Dumont (1837-1906)
- Louis Riel (1844-1885)
- Adelaide Hoodless (1857–1910)
- Marie Lacoste Gérin-Lajoie (1867–1945)
- Thérèse Casgrain (1896–1981)
- Pauline Johnson (1861–1913)
- Emily Carr (1871–1945)
- Nellie McClung (1873–1951)
- Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874–1942)
Template and Class Instructions
(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 from Canadian history. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about your chosen person.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth (and death if applicable). Choose a character that resembles your person. Add words and images to describe your person’s accomplishments.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishments.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
There are many interesting and influential people throughout Canadian history that students can research to gain a deeper understanding of Canada's past and present. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives and diverse perspectives of different people. Students will research a person and then create a Biography Poster highlighting their accomplishments or notable moments.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Notable Figures in Canadian History
- Laura Secord (1775-1868)
- Chief Tecumseh (1767-1813)
- Mary Brant and Joseph Brant
- Lord Durham (1792-1840)
- Louis Hippolyte LaFontaine (1807-1864)
- Robert Baldwin (1804-1858)
- George-Etienne Cartier (1814-1873)
- Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823–1893)
- Nahnebahwequay, Catherine Sutton (1824–1865)
- Gabriel Dumont (1837-1906)
- Louis Riel (1844-1885)
- Adelaide Hoodless (1857–1910)
- Marie Lacoste Gérin-Lajoie (1867–1945)
- Thérèse Casgrain (1896–1981)
- Pauline Johnson (1861–1913)
- Emily Carr (1871–1945)
- Nellie McClung (1873–1951)
- Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874–1942)
Template and Class Instructions
(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 from Canadian history. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about your chosen person.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth (and death if applicable). Choose a character that resembles your person. Add words and images to describe your person’s accomplishments.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishments.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Influential Canadian Biography Poster
How to Guide Students in Choosing a Diverse Range of Influential Canadians
Encourage students to explore both well-known and lesser-known figures from varied backgrounds to promote inclusivity and broaden perspectives. Suggest using lists, library resources, and class discussions to discover diverse role models beyond the most familiar names.
Help Students Organize Research with Simple Graphic Organizers
Provide students with a template or graphic organizer to structure their biography research. Organizers can include sections for personal details, major accomplishments, challenges faced, and interesting facts, making information easier to collect and present.
Show Students How to Find Reliable Sources Quickly
Model how to use trusted books, online databases, and educational websites for research. Share a short list of recommended resources and demonstrate how to check the credibility of a source before using it in their poster.
Teach Students to Summarize Biographical Information Effectively
Guide students in condensing key facts into clear, concise sentences for their posters. Practice together by turning long paragraphs into short bullet points that highlight the most important achievements and characteristics.
Celebrate Student Work with a Biography Poster Gallery Walk
Organize a classroom gallery walk where students display and share their biography posters. Encourage peer feedback and discussion to help students appreciate the variety of influential Canadians studied and build presentation confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Influential Canadian Biography Poster
What is a Canadian biography poster assignment?
A Canadian biography poster assignment asks students to research a notable Canadian figure and create a visual poster highlighting their achievements, life events, and impact on Canadian history. It combines research skills with creative presentation.
How do I choose a person for a Canadian biography poster project?
Choose a person who influenced Canadian history, such as activists, leaders, or artists. Consider those with unique contributions, diverse backgrounds, or someone who inspires you. The article lists notable options from the 1800s.
What are the key elements to include on a biography poster?
Include the person's name, image, birth and death dates (if applicable), and a summary of their main accomplishments. Add visuals and words that capture important moments and their impact.
Where can I find templates for Canadian biography posters?
You can find biography poster templates on educational websites, teacher resource platforms, or by searching online for printable templates. These can help structure your project and make it visually appealing.
What are some examples of influential Canadians I can research for grade 6-8?
Examples include Laura Secord, Chief Tecumseh, Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Louis Riel, Emily Carr, and Nellie McClung. These figures made significant contributions to Canadian history and culture.
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