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 Nelson Mandela, 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 "Changemaker" or important person and create a biography poster about them.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Research a notable figure who made a positive impact on the world. Use a graphic organizer to write down and organize the important information you discover about this person.
- Using a poster template, create an eye-catching poster about your person.
- Write at least 3-5 short paragraphs to describe your person's life, accomplishments, and impact on their country, industry or the world.
- Include a character that looks like your person. Add other appropriate characters, items, and scenes to your design that represent your person.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
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 Nelson Mandela, 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 "Changemaker" or important person and create a biography poster about them.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Research a notable figure who made a positive impact on the world. Use a graphic organizer to write down and organize the important information you discover about this person.
- Using a poster template, create an eye-catching poster about your person.
- Write at least 3-5 short paragraphs to describe your person's life, accomplishments, and impact on their country, industry or the world.
- Include a character that looks like your person. Add other appropriate characters, items, and scenes to your design that represent your person.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
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
How to Differentiate the Biography Project for Younger Students
Adapt project materials by simplifying templates and providing more visual aids for grades 2–8. Younger students benefit from step-by-step scaffolding and graphic organizers tailored to their reading and writing levels.
Model researching a changemaker using age-appropriate resources
Show students how to use kid-friendly books, videos, or picture encyclopedias to find facts. Demonstrate looking for key details like birth, education, and achievements. Highlight safe, reliable sources for research.
Guide students in organizing information with a graphic organizer
Provide a simple chart or worksheet for students to record facts about their changemaker. Encourage jotting down short notes or drawing symbols for each category (life, work, impact). Visual tools make information easier to understand.
Support students in creating visually engaging biography posters
Supply colorful materials, pre-made templates, or digital poster tools. Remind students to include images and bold headings for key facts. Offer examples and sentence starters to lower writing barriers.
Facilitate a share-out or gallery walk for student posters
Arrange for students to display their work and briefly present their changemaker. Encourage respectful listening and curiosity as classmates visit each poster. This builds confidence and celebrates student effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Biography Project
What is a Changemaker Biography Project for students?
A Changemaker Biography Project is an activity where students research and create a poster about a person from history or today who has made a positive impact on the world. This helps students learn about influential figures and their contributions across different fields.
How do I guide students in choosing a changemaker for their biography poster?
Teachers can let students choose their own changemaker or provide a curated list to pick from. Using resources like a picture encyclopedia of biographies helps students find inspiring figures from history, science, literature, and more.
What should be included in a student biography poster project?
A student biography poster should feature key facts about the person’s life, education, achievements, and impact. It should also include visuals such as characters, items, and scenes that represent the individual and their legacy.
What are the steps to complete a changemaker poster assignment?
First, research a notable figure. Next, use a graphic organizer to collect facts. Then, use a poster template to design your biography poster, writing 3–5 paragraphs about the person's life and accomplishments. Finally, present or display the poster in class.
How can teachers make the biography project engaging for high school students?
Teachers can boost engagement by letting students present their posters, organizing a gallery walk, and allowing creative choices in design and presentation. Using templates and real-life examples (like Nelson Mandela) also helps students visualize success.
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