Looking for fun biography research projects that both challenge and engage your elementary students? I’ve got you covered! From a biography report template to a digital biography project, I’m sharing my favorite ways to spark students’ curiosity and creativity as they investigate important figures.Â
In this post, you’ll find tips for teaching biography research and writing, a list of handy biography research sources, and unique projects and activities that students (and teachers) love!
Why Biography Research Projects?
Nothing packs an educational punch like biography research! Research combines reading, writing, and learning all for a meaningful purpose. And the best part is that students love these fun projects, all while enjoying the many benefits.
With biography research projects, students will:
- Develop research skills
- Apply reading comprehension strategies
- Improve informational writing
- Build independence
- Integrate Social Studies and Science
- Grow organizational skills
Digital Biography Research Projects
For a flexible, ready-to-go biography project that takes minimal prep and works with any figure, past or present, consider a digital biography report. Â
The beauty of a digital project is that it’s easily adapted to meet all kinds of needs (student ability, time available, depth of research, etc.) and students LOVE digital projects! The Biography Digital Research Report provides a guided research experience that can be completed totally online or with print texts. (Or a combination!)
Students just add their information to each Google slide and create a beautiful biography presentation for any figure. Plus, students can use the digital report to create a written essay using the included template and rubric.
Biography Research Report Booklets
Guided biography research booklets are the perfect way to support students as they venture into the world of research! These handy templates help students organize their information as they create a unique biography report using a tabbed mini-book.
Booklets are available for over 50 figures, including scientists and inventors, authors and artists, historical figures, amazing women, and more!
You can grab the Martin Luther King, Jr. Biography Research Booklet FOR FREE or click the image below to see all the figures available!
Lapbook Biography Research Projects
For a more hands-on biography activity, students can create a lapbook that includes their research and a final written report. Lapbooks are a great way to organize information while creating a final presentation students can be proud of!
My students love doing biography research and writing with these ready-to-go lapbook templates. You just need a large piece of construction paper or a file folder to create the base of the lapbook, then students attach template pieces as they learn about the figure of their choice.
Autobiography Writing Planner Templates
Reading and writing biographies is powerful, but why not bridge that work into having students write their own autobiographies? Once students understand the structure and purpose of a biography, they can really dig deep into creating their own!
An autobiography writing template makes it easy for students to plan their ideas and write a thoughtful and cohesive text. The planning pages, rubrics, and graphic organizers guide students through the process.
Biography Research Pendants Project
For quick and fun biography research projects, consider making pendants to hang in the classroom. Students research their figure online, or using print texts, and create a simple display with important facts.
The Black History Pendant Projects set includes 12 important figures from history and 2 versions of each pendant (a simple and more challenging version). You can grab the Martin Luther King, Jr. pendant for FREE in the Preview on TPT. Just click the image below.
Biography Research Online Sources
When it comes to biography research projects, students need access to accurate, kid-friendly, appropriately leveled texts.
Print sources are wonderful, but it’s often hard (or even impossible!) to find biographies for every figure students want to research. Plus, it can be a challenge to find multiple copies or various titles on the same figure. Online sources to the rescue!
Depending on the grade-level, you might prefer to search the information and print copies for students, or allow students to do their own online research. Be sure students are ready with knowledge about how to find reliable sources and how to avoid clicking ads!
Here are some safe and reliable websites for students:
Britannica Kids: Biographies (kid-friendly, great selection)
Academy of Achievement (amazing biographies with photographs, but more complex, great for teacher-guided work)
National Women’s Hall of Fame (large collection, short biographies)
Mr. Nussbaum (wide variety of people, short biographies, *intrusive ads)
Ducksters (short and simple biographies)
Biography Research Print Sources
If possible, I try to incorporate some print sources to go with all our biography research projects. Luckily, there are so many amazing biography series for kids now! I’ve included links to some of my favorites below!
*These are affiliate links, but I only share resources I truly love!
The “Who Was…?” Chapter Book Series: Engaging biographies written in a story-like format. Kids love these books!
Time for Kids Biographies: Packed with nonfiction text features, these biographies focus on facts and include beautiful photographs and images.
National Geographic Kids Biographies: Similar to “Time for Kids,” these short biographies are packed with facts and photos!
“The Story of…” Biographies: Beautifully illustrated longer biographies that students adore!
Biography research projects are perfect for end-of-year projects, independent study, group work, content integration, and more! Allow students to follow their curiosity as they dive into meaningful research and self-directed learning!
