Research Project: 2nd Grade Biographies

Objective: The objective of this research project is to introduce 2nd-grade students to the concept of biographies and help them develop research skills. Students will choose a famous person to research and create a biography poster to present their findings.

Materials Needed: - Biography books or online resources - Poster board or large construction paper - Markers, colored pencils, or crayons - Glue or tape - Scissors - Printed pictures of the chosen person (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction:
   • Begin by explaining what a biography is. Tell the students that a biography is a book or article that tells the story of a person’s life.
   • Show examples of biographies, either physical books or online resources, and briefly discuss their contents.
   • Explain that the students will be choosing a famous person to research and create a biography poster about.
2. Choosing a Person:
   • Allow students to choose a famous person they are interested in. It can be a historical figure, a scientist, an artist, an athlete, or any other person they find fascinating.
   • Encourage students to choose someone they can find information about in books or online resources.
3. Research:
   • Provide students with biography books or direct them to age-appropriate online resources to gather information about their chosen person.
   • Instruct students to take notes on important details such as the person’s birthdate, accomplishments, significant events in their life, and any interesting facts.
   • Remind students to write down the sources they used for their research.
4. Creating the Biography Poster:
   • Distribute poster boards or large construction paper to each student.
   • Instruct students to write the name of their chosen person at the top of the poster.
   • Encourage students to use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to make their poster visually appealing.
   • Students can include printed pictures of their chosen person or draw their own illustrations.
   • Instruct students to organize the information they gathered into sections on the poster, such as early life, accomplishments, and interesting facts.
   • Remind students to include the sources they used for their research on the poster.
5. Presentation:
   • Allow students time to complete their biography posters.
   • Once the posters are finished, have each student present their biography to the class.
   • Encourage students to share interesting facts and engage their classmates with questions about their chosen person.
   • After each presentation, allow time for questions and discussion.

Assessment: - Assess students’ understanding of biographies by reviewing their completed posters and notes. - Evaluate their ability to present their findings and engage in discussions about their chosen person. - Provide feedback on their research skills, including the use of sources and organization of information.

Extension Activities: - Have students create a timeline of their chosen person’s life using pictures and captions. - Encourage students to write a short biography paragraph summarizing their research findings. - Organize a biography fair where students can display their posters and share their knowledge with other classes or parents.