Activity Overview
A Changemaker Project is a popular way for middle school 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 Ida B. Wells, 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 5-7 important additional facts or accomplishments.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, at least 5 important additional facts or 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 middle school 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 Ida B. Wells, 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 5-7 important additional facts or accomplishments.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, at least 5 important additional facts or 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
How to Scaffold Biography Research for Diverse Learners
Differentiate research tasks by assigning leveled resources or guiding questions. This ensures every student can access information at their own reading level or language ability.
Model How to Take Effective Biography Notes
Demonstrate note-taking by filling out a biography worksheet together as a class. Students see how to organize facts and avoid copying full sentences.
Organize Peer Research Pairs or Small Groups
Pair students to discuss findings and help each other with tricky parts. This builds collaboration and deepens understanding of each changemaker.
Use Visual Aids to Support Understanding
Provide image-rich materials or timelines to clarify complex historical facts. Visuals support students who are visual learners or have emerging language skills.
Check In Regularly With Research Progress
Schedule quick conferences or progress checks for students to share what they've found. This helps you catch misunderstandings early and keep everyone on track.
Frequently Asked Questions about Biography Project
What is a Changemaker Biography Project for middle school students?
A Changemaker Biography Project is an activity where middle school students research and create a poster about a person from history or the present who has made a positive impact on the world. Students highlight key facts, accomplishments, and the individual's influence, developing research and presentation skills.
How do I choose a person for a biography poster project?
To choose a person, consider figures who have influenced history, literature, politics, science, or social change. You can use a teacher-provided list, explore a picture encyclopedia of biographies, or select someone who inspires you as a changemaker.
What information should be included in a biography poster for students?
A student’s biography poster should include the person’s name, image, dates of birth and death (if applicable), and at least 5 important facts or accomplishments. Additional details like education, key life events, and major contributions help provide a full picture.
What are some creative ways to present biography projects in the classroom?
Creative options include printing and laminating posters, organizing a gallery walk where students tour and view each other's projects, and having students present their biography posters to the class, building public speaking skills.
What tools or templates can help students create engaging biography posters?
Students can use biography worksheets to track research, explore history infographic templates, and utilize biography poster templates. These resources make it easier to organize information and design visually appealing posters.
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