Activity Overview
Indigenous people of the Great Plains region are famous artists, historians, activists, among many other professions. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives, and perspectives of Native Americans. In this activity, students will research a person and then create a biography poster highlighting their accomplishments.
Using one of the templates or starting from scratch on the poster layout, students will build up a profile of their chosen figure. Depending on requirements or complexity, students can add timelines to their posters. However, the wide variety of characters, scenes, and items makes it very easy for students to customize their project to fit any guidelines.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Some examples of people to research:
- Red Cloud (1822 - 1909)
- Sitting Bull (1831 - 1890)
- Crazy Horse (1840 - 1877)
- Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865 - 1915)
- Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Simmons) (1876 – 1938)
- Maria Tallchief (1925 - 2013)
- Frank Waln (1989 - )
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 that is of Indigenous heritage from the Great Plains Region. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about how it came to pass.
- 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, accomplishment.
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
Indigenous people of the Great Plains region are famous artists, historians, activists, among many other professions. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives, and perspectives of Native Americans. In this activity, students will research a person and then create a biography poster highlighting their accomplishments.
Using one of the templates or starting from scratch on the poster layout, students will build up a profile of their chosen figure. Depending on requirements or complexity, students can add timelines to their posters. However, the wide variety of characters, scenes, and items makes it very easy for students to customize their project to fit any guidelines.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Some examples of people to research:
- Red Cloud (1822 - 1909)
- Sitting Bull (1831 - 1890)
- Crazy Horse (1840 - 1877)
- Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865 - 1915)
- Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Simmons) (1876 – 1938)
- Maria Tallchief (1925 - 2013)
- Frank Waln (1989 - )
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 that is of Indigenous heritage from the Great Plains Region. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about how it came to pass.
- 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, accomplishment.
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 Indigenous People of the Plains Biographies
Incorporate Primary Sources to Enrich Biography Posters
Gather primary sources such as photos, letters, or oral histories about your chosen figure. Primary sources bring authenticity and help students connect with real voices and experiences.
Model How to Analyze a Primary Source with Your Class
Show students how to look for details, context, and point of view in a primary source. Analyzing sources deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking about Indigenous history.
Guide Students to Select a Primary Source for Their Poster
Help students pick a meaningful document, quote, or image that highlights their person’s life or achievements. Choosing wisely makes the biography poster more personal and informative.
Prompt Students to Explain the Significance of Their Source
Ask students to write a brief caption or note on their poster explaining why the primary source is important. This reflection helps them summarize key insights and share new perspectives.
Display and Discuss Posters Featuring Primary Sources
Encourage students to present their posters, sharing what they learned from the primary source. Class discussions promote empathy and appreciation for Indigenous stories and achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indigenous People of the Plains Biographies
What is a biography poster project for Indigenous People of the Plains?
A biography poster project for Indigenous People of the Plains is an activity where students research a notable Native American from the Great Plains region and create a visual display highlighting their life, achievements, and impact. The project combines research skills with creative presentation to deepen understanding of Indigenous history and culture.
How can I help students choose an Indigenous person from the Plains to research?
Guide students by providing a list of notable figures such as Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Susan La Flesche Picotte, Zitkala-Sa, Maria Tallchief, and Frank Waln. Encourage them to select someone who interests them or aligns with class themes, and use school-approved resources for research.
What should be included on a biography poster for a K-12 classroom assignment?
A strong biography poster should include the person’s name, image, dates of birth and death (if applicable), and a summary of their major accomplishments. Adding timelines, visuals, and descriptive text makes the poster more engaging and informative.
Are there templates for Indigenous biography posters that I can use with my students?
Yes, there are biography poster templates available that help students organize information and add creative elements. Teachers can find these templates online or adapt existing ones to fit the Indigenous People of the Plains assignment.
What are some tips for making biography poster assignments easy and engaging for 4th or 5th graders?
Keep instructions clear and step-by-step, provide visual examples, allow students to choose figures they’re interested in, and supply customizable templates. Encourage use of pictures, timelines, and colorful designs to make the project fun and accessible.
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Indigenous Peoples of the Plains
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