Practice: Research for a Biography
Objective
In this lesson part, students will engage in an interactive and creative activity to practice their research skills in writing a biography. They will learn how to gather information, organize their findings, and present a short biography on a chosen figure.
Materials Needed
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Printable Biography Research Template (handout)
- Chart paper and markers
- Sticky notes
- Reference books (optional)
- Access to library or biographical databases
Activity Overview
In this practice session, students will work in small groups to research and draft a biography of a famous person. The activity will be engaging and will reinforce their skills in collecting information and synthesizing it into clear writing.
Steps
1. Group Formation (10 minutes)
- Divide the class into small groups of 3–4 students.
- Each group will choose a historical figure, athlete, scientist, artist, or any person of interest to research. If needed, provide a list of suggested figures students can choose from.
2. Research Time (30 minutes)
- Distribute the Biography Research Template handout, which includes sections such as:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Early Life
- Major Accomplishments
- Fun Facts
- Impact on Society
- In their groups, students will use computers or tablets to research the chosen figure. Encourage them to find information from credible sites, books, or library resources.
- Students will fill out the Biography Research Template with their gathered information.
3. Organizing the Information (15 minutes)
- Once the template is filled out, students should work together to summarize the key points they found.
- On the chart paper, they will create a “mini poster” that highlights crucial facts, including a picture of the individual, key dates, and notable achievements.
- Encourage creativity! They can use different colors, drawings, or illustrations to make their poster engaging.
4. Presentation (20 minutes)
- Each group will take turns presenting their mini poster to the class. They should each share:
- Who they researched and why they chose this person
- One interesting fact they found
- What they learned from the biography research process
- After each presentation, encourage a short Q&A session where classmates can ask questions about the figure.
5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (10 minutes)
- To conclude the practice, hold a reflective discussion asking students:
- What was the most surprising fact they learned?
- How did collaborating with peers help in their research process?
- What skills did they develop during this activity?
- Finally, allow students to write a short paragraph about what they enjoyed the most about the biography research practice on a sticky note. They can stick these on a “Reflection Wall” for others to see.
Conclusion
Through this practice session, students will have developed key research and collaboration skills while learning about notable figures who have made an impact in various fields. This activity not only reinforces their understanding of biographies but also encourages teamwork and creativity.