Biography Research Project                  Download as a word document

What do we want you to know, to understand about those individuals who choose to make a difference in the area of social injustice?

• They are individuals who do and should make a difference.
• They are role models who help us to reflect on the qualities and actions we want to exhibit in our own lives.
• These are people whose actions are influenced by time and place.
• They are individuals who are influenced by the groups and institutions around them.

Your research paper should focus on an individual whose life has been an inspiration to his/her family, community, or world and how your future will be affected by what you have learned.

There are several important steps you must follow in order to do well on this project.

Step One: Choose the individual you want to research

From the attached list, choose an individual whose life interests you. If you would like to research someone who is not on the list, your choice must be approved by your teacher. You must decide on your person by: __________________.

Step Two:  Do the research!!!

·        Who is the individual that you will be researching? There are two parts to the background information you must find about your person.

Part A: The person’s individual background. Example: When and where he/she was born, what their life was like as a child and young adult, etc.

Part B: What was the situation in the world, their community, their country that led them to become an inspiration to others?

Note cards required for this part of the research = 15

·        What was the catalyst or inspiration for your individual’s impact on the world? You must choose a quote from the research materials you find to illustrate their philosophy about making a difference in the world.

Note cards required for this part of the research = 5+

·        What is the legacy that this individual will leave behind?

What will those who know your individual say about them and about their life? What will they be remembered for? You must choose a quote that is appropriate for this section.

Note cards required for this part of the research = 10+

·        Your connection…

Why does this person interest you?

How will the information you learn apply to your life?

What will your legacy be?

What do you want your children or community to say about you and your life?

Step Three:  Writing the bibliography

                   Make sure to cite your references accurately

                   Make sure you include at least 5 sources

                   Sources must include at least 1 book, 1 periodical, and 1 website

Step Four:  Creating a visual representation (more to come at a later time)

Create an artistic visual representation that you design illustrating their legacy and incorporate a quote that represents their life. Examples might include:

·        A collage, a single photograph

·        A piece of jewelry

·        A sculpture

·        A painting

·        A poem, song, or piece of music that is original

·        A project of your choice (You must receive teacher approval before beginning the project)

Final project will include in this order:

1. Cover page
2. Research paper
3. Bibliography
4. Visual representation

The final project is due ________________

Visual museum exhibit begins ________________ (Your visual project will be on display in the library for everyone to see and enjoy!)