Activity Overview
A Changemaker Project is a popular way for 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 Sacagawea, 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!
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 person who has had a positive impact on the world. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about the person's life.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth (and death if applicable).
- Choose a character that resembles your person.
- Add text and images to describe your person’s accomplishments.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, at least 2 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
A Changemaker Project is a popular way for 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 Sacagawea, 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!
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 person who has had a positive impact on the world. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about the person's life.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth (and death if applicable).
- Choose a character that resembles your person.
- Add text and images to describe your person’s accomplishments.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, at least 2 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 Biography Project
Organize a Successful Changemaker Gallery Walk
Plan a classroom gallery walk to help students share and learn from each other's biography posters. This interactive showcase boosts engagement and deepens understanding of notable changemakers.
Arrange the classroom for easy movement
Set up desks or display boards in a way that allows students to walk smoothly from poster to poster. Leave enough space between displays so students can view and discuss without crowding.
Provide students with observation sheets
Give each student a simple worksheet to jot down interesting facts or questions about the changemakers they learn about. This encourages active participation and note-taking.
Assign roles for presenters and visitors
Have half the class stand by their posters as presenters while the other half walks around as visitors. Switch roles halfway through so everyone gets to present and explore.
Lead a reflection discussion after the walk
Bring the class together and ask students to share what inspired them or any new changemakers they want to learn more about. Connect the activity to bigger themes of positive impact and leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions about Biography Project
What is a Changemaker Biography Project for students?
A Changemaker Biography Project is an activity where students research a person from history or the present who has made a positive impact on the world, then create a poster highlighting that individual's life, achievements, and influence.
How do you guide students in choosing a changemaker for their biography poster?
Teachers can let students pick a changemaker themselves or provide a curated list to select from. Using resources like a picture encyclopedia of biographies helps students find diverse and influential figures across fields like history, science, and literature.
What should be included in a student biography poster project?
A complete biography poster should have the person's name, image, dates of birth and death (if applicable), at least two major accomplishments, and text or images describing their impact. Including a character or illustration that resembles the person can also make the poster engaging.
What are some tips for organizing a successful biography poster gallery walk in class?
To organize a gallery walk, display students' posters around the classroom or hallway, let students circulate to view each other's work, and encourage them to ask questions or share facts. Adding presentations or public speaking can enhance learning and engagement.
Where can teachers find templates for biography poster projects?
Teachers can access biography poster templates and history infographic templates online or through educational resources. These templates help structure the project and make it easier for students to focus on research and creativity.
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