Biography Project: Research and Class Presentation

biography project rubric middle school

  • Resources & Preparation
  • Instructional Plan
  • Related Resources

Set the stage for high-interest reading with a purpose through a biography project. Students work together to generate questions they would like to answer about several well-known people, then each student chooses one of these and finds information by reading a biography from the library and doing Internet research. Students create a graphic organizer (a web) to organize the facts they have found and share what they have learned about their subjects through oral presentations. Students evaluate themselves and their classmates by using a rubric during the research and graphic organizer-creation process and by giving written feedback on one another's presentations.

Featured Resources

Bio-Cube : This planning tool can help students organize their research; use it as an extension to the lesson and have them outline the lives they' researched before writing their own biographies.

From Theory to Practice

  • By using graphic organizers, students write or draw meanings and relationships of underlying ideas. This has been shown to improve students' ability to recall content.
  • By summarizing information, students improve in including ideas related to the main idea, generalizing, and removing redundancy.
  • By working in cooperative groups, students may increase their learning of reading strategies through peer discussion. They may also lead to better comprehension.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

  • 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
  • 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
  • 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

  • School or classroom library with a broad selection of biographies
  • Computers with Internet access and printing capability
  • Index cards
  • Oral Presentation Peer Feedback Form
  • Oral Presentation Rubric

Student Objectives

Students will

  • Learn to ask relevant questions before beginning a research project
  • Learn to take notes and categorize information as they create graphic organizers
  • Improve comprehension as they read and skim text for main ideas and details
  • Develop research skills (book and Internet) with the purpose of teaching the class what they have learned
  • Think critically as they use rubrics and written feedback to evaluate their classmates and themselves

Session 1: Before Reading

1. Ask students what a biography is and show an example of one. Ask them what sort of things they would expect to find out about a person’s life in a biography. Share a biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. and ask students to work in pairs to generate questions about his life. Then ask for their ideas for how this information might be categorized (such as childhood events, turning points, things he is famous for, etc.)

2. Have students brainstorm famous people who might have biographies written about them, and write student responses on the board.

3. Pass out the graphic organizer and discuss how categories and subcategories can be used to summarize a person's life achievements. In the sample for Martin Luther King, Jr., categories include "childhood and young adult," "beginning of his career," "turning points," "march on Washington," "what he wrote," and "assassination."

4. Have each student narrow the list on the board to three famous people they might like to study (they will narrow it down to one during the next session, depending on availability of biographies).

5. Pair off students to discuss the people they're interested in researching. Have them ask each other what they already know about the people. What things do they not know but want to find out? Have students work together to help each other generate questions about each of the people they would like to learn more about.

Sessions 2 to 5

1. Using your classroom or school library, have each student check out a biography of a famous person. The biography should be about one of the three people on the student's list from Session 1.

2. Pass out the and go over expectations and criteria with students.

3. Use the sample web for Martin Luther King, Jr. to model for students how each item of the rubric applies to the creation of the web.

4. Ask students to skim (or preread) their biographies, focusing on the questions they generated during Session 1 about the selected person. Then have students work with their partners to group the information they find into appropriate categories and start a rough draft of their webs.

5. For homework (and, if time, in class), have students read independently as they complete their webs.

6.

Students can also use the to add to their webs.

7. When the webs are complete, have each student use the Web Rubric to evaluate his or her own web.

8. Have each student share his or her web with a partner and give each other feedback and suggestions for improvement. The partner can fill out the same rubric using a different color.

9. Collect the students' webs, review them, and use the same rubric with another color to make suggestions for improvement.

Session 6: After Reading

1. Return the rubrics to students, giving them time to review the comments from you and their partners. Allow them the opportunity to make revisions to their webs.

2. Have students copy their webs neatly onto butcher paper and prepare for the class presentation, writing notes or key words and phrases on index cards to help them remember what they will say.

Sessions 7 to 9: Class Presentations

1. As students give the class presentations, have other students use the to write their feedback.

2. Collect the feedback forms, review and check them for inappropriate comments, and give each set to the corresponding presenter.

Have students use their webs and the online Bio-Cube tool to plan and write biographies of the person they have researched. When they are finished, ask students to share the books with a younger class.

Student Assessment / Reflections

Possible student assessments include:

  • Use the Web Rubric to grade the students' webs.
  • Use the Oral Presentation Rubric to grade students' presentations based on the quality and completeness of information given.
  • Observe and evaluate students' participation in group work and ability to critique other students' presentations based on their comments on the Oral Presentation Peer Feedback Form .
  • Calendar Activities
  • Lesson Plans
  • Strategy Guides

Add new comment

  • Print this resource

Explore Resources by Grade

  • Kindergarten K

Assignment Biography: Student Criteria and Rubric for Writing

Researching an Individual Aligned to Common Core Writing Standards

  • Tips & Strategies
  • An Introduction to Teaching
  • Policies & Discipline
  • Community Involvement
  • School Administration
  • Technology in the Classroom
  • Teaching Adult Learners
  • Issues In Education
  • Teaching Resources
  • Becoming A Teacher
  • Assessments & Tests
  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
  • Homeschooling
  • M.A., English, Western Connecticut State University
  • B.S., Education, Southern Connecticut State University

The genre of  biography can also be categorized in the sub-genre of  narrative nonfiction/historical nonfiction. When a teacher assigns a biography as a writing assignment, the purpose is to have a student utilize multiple research tools to gather and to synthesize information that may be used as evidence in a written report about an individual. The evidence gained from research can include a person’s words, actions, journals, reactions, related books, interviews with friends, relatives, associates, and enemies. The historical context is equally important. Since there are people who have influenced every academic discipline, assigning a biography can be a cross-disciplinary or inter-disciplinary writing assignment. 

Middle and high school teachers should allow students to have a choice in selecting the subject for a biography. Providing student choice, particularly for students in grades 7-12, increases their engagement and their motivation especially if students select individuals they care about. Students would find it difficult to write about a person they do not like. Such an attitude compromises the process of researching and writing the biography.

According to by Judith L. Irvin, Julie Meltzer and Melinda S. Dukes in their book  Taking Action on Adolescent Literacy:

"As humans, we are motivated to engage when we are interested or have real purpose for doing so. So motivation to engage [students] is the first step on the road to improving literacy habits and skills" (Chapter 1).

Students should find at least three different sources (if possible) to make sure the biography is accurate. A good biography is well-balanced and objective. That means if there is disagreement between sources, the student can use the evidence to state that there is a conflict.  Students should know that a good biography is more than a timeline of events in a person's life.

The context of a person's life is important. Students should include information about the historical time period in which a subject lived and did her/his work. 

In addition, the student should have a purpose for researching another person's life. For example, the purpose for a student to research and write a biography can be in a response to the prompt:

"How does this writing this biography help me to understand the influence of this person on history, and quite possibly, this person's impact on me?"

The following standards-based criteria and scoring rubrics can be used to grade a student-selected biography. Both criteria and rubrics should be given to students before they begin their work. 

Criteria for a Student Biography aligned to Common Core State Standards

A General Outline for Biography Details

  • Birthdate /Birthplace
  • Death (if applicable).
  • Family Members.
  • Miscellaneous (religion, titles, etc).

Education/Influences

  • Schooling.Training.
  • Work Experiences.
  • Contemporaries/Relationships.

Accomplishments/  Significance

  • Evidence of major accomplishments.
  • Evidence of minor accomplishments (if relevant).
  • The analysis that supports why the individual was worthy of note in their field of expertise during his or her life.
  • Analysis why this individual is worthy of note in their field of expertise today.

Quotes/Publications

  • Statements made.
  • Works published.

Biography Organization using the CCSS Anchor Writing Standards 

  • Transitions are effective in assisting the reader to understand shifts.
  • Ideas within each paragraph are fully developed.
  • Each point is supported by evidence.
  • All evidence is relevant.  
  • Important terms are explained to the reader.
  • Purpose of each paragraph (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion) is clear.  
  • Clear relationship between topic sentence(s) and paragraph(s) that came before is evident.

Grading Rubric: Holistic Standards with Letter Grade Conversions

(based on extended response Smarter Balanced Assessment writing rubric)

Score: 4 or Letter Grade: A

Student response is a thorough elaboration of the support/evidence on the topic (individual) including the effective use of source material. The response clearly and effectively develops ideas, using precise language:

  • Comprehensive evidence (facts and details) from source materials are integrated.
  • Relevant, and specific clear citations or attribution to source materials.
  • Effective use of a variety of elaborative techniques.
  • Vocabulary is clearly appropriate for the audience and purpose. 
  • Effective, appropriate style enhances content.

Score: 3  Letter Grade: B

Student response is an adequate elaboration of the support/evidence in the biography that includes the use of source materials. The student response adequately develops ideas, employing a mix of precise and more general language:  

  • Adequate evidence (facts and details) from the source materials is integrated and relevant, yet the evidence and explanation may be general.
  • Adequate use of citations or attribution to the source material.  
  • Adequate use of some elaborative techniques.
  • Vocabulary is generally appropriate for the audience and purpose.
  • The style is generally appropriate for the audience and purpose.

Score: 2 Letter Grade: C

Student response is uneven with a cursory elaboration of the support/evidence in the biography that includes the uneven or limited use of source material. The student response develops ideas unevenly, using simplistic language:

  • Some evidence (facts and details) from the source materials may be weakly integrated, imprecise, repetitive, vague, and/or copied.
  • Weak use of citations or attribution to source materials.
  • Weak or uneven use of elaborative techniques.
  • Development may consist primarily of source summaries.
  • Vocabulary use is uneven or somewhat ineffective for the audience and purpose.
  • Inconsistent or weak attempt to create the appropriate style.

Score: 1 Letter Grade: D

Student response provides a minimal elaboration of the support/evidence in the biography that includes little or no use of source material. The student response is vague, lacks clarity, or is confusing:

  • Evidence (facts and details) from the source material is minimal, irrelevant, absent, incorrectly used. 
  • Insufficient use of citations or attribution to the source material.
  • Minimal, if any, use of elaborative techniques.
  • Vocabulary is limited or ineffective for the audience and purpose.
  • Little or no evidence of appropriate style.
  • Insufficient or plagiarized (copied without credit) text.
  • Off-topic. 
  • Off-purpose.
  • What Is an Annotated Bibliography?
  • Pros and Cons to Flexible Grouping in Middle and High School
  • Grading for Proficiency in the World of 4.0 GPAs
  • How to Write an Interesting Biography
  • Definition and Examples of Analysis in Composition
  • How to Create a Rubric in 6 Steps
  • Topics for a Lesson Plan Template
  • The Whys and How-tos for Group Writing in All Content Areas
  • What Is Plagiarism?
  • Beef Up Critical Thinking and Writing Skills: Comparison Essays
  • T.E.S.T. Season for Grades 7-12
  • Higher Level Thinking: Synthesis in Bloom's Taxonomy
  • What Is a Rubric?
  • Writing Prompt (Composition)
  • Biographies: The Stories of Humanity
  • Rubrics - Quick Guide for all Content Areas

Storyboard That

  • My Storyboards

Biography Project

In this activity, activity overview, template and class instructions, more storyboard that activities, this activity is part of many teacher guides.

Stamped Biography Poster

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 !

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

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.

Simple Yellow Background Biography Poster

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Biographies

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric .)

Proficient Emerging Needs Improvement

Middle School Projects

Middle School Projects - Social Media Project

Try 1 Month For

30 Day Money Back Guarantee New Customers Only Full Price After Introductory Offer

Learn more about our Department, School, and District packages

Example of using the storyboard Creator

  • Thousands of images
  • Custom layouts, scenes, characters
  • And so much more!!

Create a Storyboard

Teacher Tips for Biography Projects

 7 Quick Tips for Student Biography Projects 

Completing a biography is an extremely valuable learning experience because it provides students with an opportunity to reinforce research skills, enhance writing skills, encourage critical thinking, foster creativity, and cultivate empathy. It might also encourage students to apply some of the lessons learned to their own lives.

 1. Review the Definitions

Take a moment to review the definition of a biography. You can also use this time to focus on the differences and similarities between a biography and an autobiography. This leads nicely into a short discussion about word parts (auto, bio, and graph).

2. Start with a Mentor Text or Example

Starting the project with a mentor text or example will give students a strong frame of reference for crafting their own biographies. Here are some picture book biographies that will work well for this purpose. Use the mentor text or example for students to analyze the main characteristics of a biography, including:

  • Organization 
  • Language/Style

Biography Report Template and Project

“Love the outline for the notes and how easily it was for my students to use. It really helped them organize their research and provided them with enough questions to gather a lot of information. Also love the paragraph lay out and the fill in the blank for my kiddos that are not as strong writers. Great!” -Kirsten H.

3. Explore Themes

Identifying a common theme that runs throughout the life of the individual being researched will help students organize their writing and develop a clear focus for their biography. Using the theme to focus on the most significant events, actions, and achievements of the important figure creates a more cohesive and compelling biography. Common biographical themes include:

  • One person can change the world.
  • Success requires hard work, dedication, and consistency.
  • Facing challenges can make a person stronger. 
  • Ideas come to life with creativity and imagination. 

4. Encourage Students to Choose Wisely

When choosing someone to research, encourage students to pick someone they admire. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable. If students are required to pick from a list of significant figures, make sure to include a diverse selection. That way, you know your students will be able to find someone they will enjoy writing about.

5. Provide Essential Questions 

It is helpful to frame your essential questions around the necessary components of a biography. If the students can answer most of the essential questions in their biography, they will most likely have a successful finished product. Here are some common essential questions used for biographical writing:

  • When and where was this person born?
  • What kind of childhood did this person have?
  • Did this person receive an education? If so, what was it like?
  • What was this person’s family life like? If possible, include details about parents, siblings, spouses, and children.
  • What obstacles did this person face?
  • What did this person accomplish? 
  • Why will this person be remembered?

6. Make Your Own Research Guide 

Use your essential questions to design your own research guide. Providing students with some sort of research guide will help them remain focused and on task. The format and structure of the research guide is based on the needs of your students. Click here to see what I like to include. 

7. Don’t Forget a Rubric

Students need to start with the end in mind. A rubric will give students a clear understanding of the project expectations. Using your research guide to create your rubric is an easy way to make sure your expectations align with your instruction.  

Are you ready to incorporate a biography research report into your curriculum, but don’t have the time to create all of the necessary components? Click here to download everything you need from Literacy in Focus on TpT.  Printable and digital formats are included!

“This has been a great resource to use to teach my students about how to conduct research, and the types of sources that they can use! It is a very organized and easy to implement resource. Thank you!” -Ashley

7 Quick Tips for Student Biography Projects

Teach Starter, part of Tes Teach Starter, part of Tes

Search  everything  in all resources

Writing a Biography Project

Updated:  27 Jan 2022

Use this PowerPoint template for students to author a researched-based biography on a historical figure.

Editable:  PowerPoint, Google Slides

Pages:  28 Pages

  • Curriculum Curriculum:  CCSS, TEKS

Grades:  3 - 6

  • Microsoft PowerPoint (potx) Sign up to Plus
  • Google Slides Sign up to Plus

Get inspired!

Tag #TeachStarter on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

Writing a Biography Project teaching resource

Biographies are an essential genre of literature . 

These immersive texts allow readers to dive deeper into the experiences of figures and explore life through their eyes. 

Bring Your Students Into The World Of Biographies

Students will use this slideshow template to create a biographical text of an important figure through previously conducted research.

By applying…

  • Composition
  • Organization

…students will become biographers, challenged to record and analyze a figure’s most important contributions to a period or event in history .   

Additionally, this project template allows students to include additional text features relevant to their biography, such as: 

  • Table of Contents

A grading rubric is also included in the download.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the Google Slides and PowerPoint versions of this resource. 

This resource was created by Lauren Blankenship, a teacher in Florida and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Get your biography lesson off the pages with even more supplemental resources: 

[resource:3841294]   [resource:2650682]   [resource:2660178]

Teach Starter Publishing

Teach Starter Publishing

We create premium quality, downloadable teaching resources for primary/elementary school teachers that make classrooms buzz!

Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you'd like to request a change to this resource, or report an error, select the corresponding tab above.

Suggest a Change

Would you like something changed or customised on this resource? While our team makes every effort to complete change suggestions, we can't guarantee that every change will be completed.

Report an Error

Did you spot an error on this resource? Please let us know and we will fix it shortly.

Are you having trouble downloading or viewing this resource? Please try the following steps:

  • Check that you are logged in to your account
  • For premium resources, check that you have a paid subscription
  • Check that you have installed Adobe Reader ( download here )

If you are still having difficulty, please visit the Teach Starter Help Desk or contact us .

You may also like

  • English Language Arts →
  • Types of Writing →
  • Expository Writing →
  • Inquiry and Research →
  • Biography Writing →
  • Templates →
  • 3rd Grade →
  • 4th Grade →
  • 5th Grade →
  • 6th Grade →
  • Google Slide →
  • PowerPoint →

Go to Silent Letters PowerPoint teaching resource

Silent Letters PowerPoint

A 24-slide editable PowerPoint presentation about silent letters.

Go to Multiple Meanings Vocabulary Worksheet teaching resource

Multiple Meanings Vocabulary Worksheet

A worksheet to use in the classroom when identifying multiple-meaning words.

Go to Bloom's Taxonomy Fast Finisher Task Cards - Upper Grades teaching resource

Bloom's Taxonomy Fast Finisher Task Cards - Upper Grades

44 Bloom's Taxonomy fast finisher activity cards.

Go to Punctuation Sentence Challenge Worksheet teaching resource

Punctuation Sentence Challenge Worksheet

A teaching resource to help consolidate the students’ knowledge of punctuation.

Go to Common Core State Standards Progression Trackers - Kindergarten - Language teaching resource

Common Core State Standards Progression Trackers - Kindergarten - Language

Individual student and whole class trackers using the Language Common Core Standards.

Go to Multiple-Meaning Word Puzzles teaching resource

Multiple-Meaning Word Puzzles

16 puzzles to use in the classroom when identifying homonyms.

Go to Bring Your Characters To Life Poster teaching resource

Bring Your Characters To Life Poster

A poster to remind your students to add detail and description to their writing to bring their characters to life.

Go to Vocabulary Dice Roll Activity teaching resource

Vocabulary Dice Roll Activity

6 vocabulary activities to use with a range of words.

Go to Past Tense, Present Tense and Future Tense Posters teaching resource

Past Tense, Present Tense and Future Tense Posters

A set of four posters providing simple descriptions and examples of past, present and future tense.

Go to Verb Past Tense Worksheet teaching resource

Verb Past Tense Worksheet

A worksheet with simple and irregular past tense verbs added to complete the sentences.

biography project rubric middle school

Obsessed With Learning

Helping Teachers Get Their Lives Back

biography project rubric middle school

How to Write a Biography: Upper Elementary to Middle School

Writing a biography can be a daunting task. When students hear the assignment of writing a biography, they may have thoughts of long, boring essays or a tedious 10-page book report. There are various ways to tackle writing a biography, and they can even be fun in the process! Let’s look at some less intimidating ways to get your kiddos to write a biography, whether in elementary or middle school.

How to Write a Biography: Upper Elementary to Middle School

Step 1: Read a Biography

The first step for students before writing a biography is to read one. They need to see a real-life example before tackling their own biography assignment. Elementary students can read biography picture books or Who Was? biography novels. Biography picture books are especially interesting to students as the splendid pictures bring the person to life. 

Here are some picture books we recommend for younger students: 

I Am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne

Upper elementary students love the Who Was? novel series. These books are more challenging, contain some pictures, and are age-appropriate. We recommend:

Who Was? Anne Frank  by Anne Abramson

Who Were? The Tuskegee Airmen by Sherri L. Smith

Who Was? Selena  by Max Bisantz

Middle school-aged students can read a variety of biographies from sixth graders reading Who Was? to advanced readers conquering even adult biographies. Some biographies or autobiographies my middle school students have read and loved are: 

I Am Malala by Malala Youfsazai

Gifted Hands The Ben Carson Story by Gregg Lewis

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Step 2: Research a Person

Once students have read a biography to gain an understanding of what one looks like and how it is organized, as well as more about the person they are learning about, they can complete research from the biography or autobiography. A simple graphic organizer to help students organize crucial information would suffice. Important information that the student should gather from their book includes: 

  • Birthdate and Birthplace
  • Death Date and Place If Deceased
  • Childhood/Family
  • Adult Family
  • Major Accomplishments
  • Major Obstacles
  • Lessons we can learn from this person’s life

Step 3: How to Write a Biography Tips

As a teacher, you can provide choices for students or provide a project students can tackle. Some biography projects require students to write a biography in a different format than a typical essay.

Paper Bag Biography

For elementary grades, a paper bag biography book report is an interesting way to create a biography. Once students have read their biography or autobiography, they color the front of the paper bag with a picture of the person as well as display the person’s name. On the back of the paper bag is written the major accomplishments, obstacles, and a lesson learned from this person’s life.

On one side of the bag is written fun facts and on the other side is written basic information such as birthdate, birthplace, family, death date, etc. Inside the paper bag, students place varying objects that symbolize the life of the person and explain or write about them. 

Cereal Box Biography

This same concept can be completed with a cereal box. Students would utilize construction paper and glue over the cereal box instead. They can create a cute name for their cereal that coincides with the person they’re learning about as well. For instance, a biography about Sugar Ray Leonard, a professional boxer, could become Sugar Rays on a cereal box biography report. 

Pizza Box Biography

Speaking of food, a pizza box biography report is something I have utilized for years in the classroom. It combines creativity, art, and writing to display a biography. A simple Google search can give you tons of templates, instructions, and student sample pictures to choose from. I’m not certain of the original creator of this project, but it is amazing!

Students decorate the outside and inside cover of a pizza box with pictures and facts of their person. Next, they create a pizza out of construction paper and each slice displays important information. They can use their creativity to decorate each slice with toppings. Some students create a flap that goes over their slice of information and on the flap are toppings they’ve drawn such as mushrooms, pepperoni, and peppers. I am always impressed with how students use their creativity to design elaborate pizzas!

Here is the link to a FREE pizza box biography book report guideline I have used for years. 

biography project rubric middle school

Biography in a Can

Keeping with the theme of biography projects centered around food containers, have your students grab a clean chip or coffee can (with a lid). After reading a biography, students will decorate their can based on whom they’re learning about. We recommend the Who Is? , Who Was? and I Am books for this.

Next, students will use a graphic organizer to gather information from their book and then turn that research into an index card biography report. The various index cards are then stored inside the can for easy access for presentations. This project promotes independent student research, incorporates art, and is plain fun. It is definitely engaging for students.

Grab the whole project, including graphic organizers , index card templates , a pre-design sheet , and a rubric below. 

biography project rubric middle school

Grab your Biography Research Project today.

Our Biography Research Project will guide your students through Biography Research with ease. In addition, this unique research project helps them to learn more about important figures, as well as write and create some awesome biographies.

Bonus: Our Biography Research Project is a great way to display your students’ work for the admiration of parents, admin, and fellow students. Your class will be the envy of your school.

MLA Biography Essa y

As students move into seventh and eighth grade, there is a huge focus on learning to write an MLA essay. Because of this, I require students to write a biography essay or book report. Using a detailed template, students write their biographies. Each paragraph is thoroughly explained and chunked to display the life of the person they’re investigating. Here is a simple template of how I have seventh-grade students organize their biography essays:  

1st paragraph contains:

Title of your biography and the author’s name. The book is a biography of __________, who was born on (Date) ______________ in (Birthplace) ____________________. Why did you choose to read this book? Write a brief summary of their well-known accomplishments.

2nd, 3rd, 4th Paragraph contains:

A summary of their life. Make sure their life is in sequence. Tell of major life accomplishments, major disappointments, and major obstacles they faced. Tell of their childhood, adulthood, etc.

5th Paragraph contains:

What is the most interesting fact about this person? Explain why. How would you describe this person? If you could meet your person, what questions would you ask him or her? Why? Would you recommend this biography to a friend? Why or why not?

6th Paragraph: Conclusion Paragraph

What are the major life lessons a reader can learn from this person’s life? 

Step 4: Publish through Technology

Students can create biography presentations by using Google Slides , all the while utilizing pictures, quotes, and thematic decor to make their project come to life. Slidesgo.com is an amazing template resource in which students can make their presentations fit a theme and be a bit more aesthetically pleasing and exciting. 

Furthermore, Canva has a plethora of resources students can use to create biographies, from a standard presentation to infographics to creating an eBook . Canva is an awesome resource. It contains varying fonts, pre-loaded graphics, and the ability to upload pictures online. Canva has become a favorite tool of our students here lately!

Writing a biography can be challenging but in a great way! Reading biographies such as picture books to novels, this readily prepares students to conquer biography writing. By presenting options such as activities or a detailed template for an essay, students can feel interested and ready to tackle the world of biographies.

biography project rubric middle school

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from obsessed with learning.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

You must be logged in to post a comment.

View Resource

  • Number of visits 40
  • Number of saves 4

Biography Presentation Rubric—Middle School

  • Report this resource

Description

Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial

No Alignments yet.

Evaluations

No evaluations yet.

  • Self-Assessment

Review Criteria

  • International
  • Education Jobs
  • Schools directory
  • Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Biography Project Rubric

Biography Project Rubric

Subject: Creative writing

Age range: 11 - 14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Happyedugator's Shop

Last updated

22 February 2018

  • Share through email
  • Share through twitter
  • Share through linkedin
  • Share through facebook
  • Share through pinterest

pdf, 794.33 KB

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

  • help_outline help

iRubric: Biography Writing Rubric Middle School

      '; }         delete   Do more...
Rubric Code: By Ready to use Public Rubric Subject:    Type:    Grade Levels: 6-8






Biography Writing Rubric
Enter rubric description
 






biography project rubric middle school

Over 6,200 homeschool resources and growing!

Homeschool Giveaways

FREE Grade Rubrics and Assessments for Middle and Highschool

Published: October 12, 2017

Sarah Shelton

Contributor: Sarah Shelton

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

FREE Grade Rubrics and Assessments for Middle and High School

So what exactly is a grading rubric? ( From CME.edu ) A rubric is a scoring tool that explicitly represents the performance expectations for an assignment or piece of work. A rubric divides the assigned work into component parts and provides clear descriptions of the characteristics of the work associated with each component, at varying levels of mastery. Rubrics can be used for a wide array of assignments: papers, projects, oral presentations, artistic performances, group projects, etc. Rubrics can be used as scoring or grading guides, to provide formative feedback to support and guide ongoing learning efforts, or both.

Grading rubrics are great for teachers: Rubrics can reduce the time spent grading when all you need to do is refer to the rubric scoring description rather than trying to figure it out on your own to assign a specific grade. They also help you to get a clearer picture of  the strengths and weaknesses of your children in that specific subject. Since a rubric breaks down each part of the lesson (especially in writing) it can help you to see a specific area that your child may struggle with.

Grading rubrics are valuable for students:  There are many rubrics that a student can use to help them to grade their own work. This can help your children to monitor and assess their own progress. They can also see why they were given the grade that they were given, which can help them know exactly what they need to do to improve and receive a stronger and better grade the next time. 

Here are some great free rubrics and grading assessments to help your middle and highschool students!

biography project rubric middle school

Tired of the anxiety that comes from grading high school essays and research papers? Whether it’s persuasion, compare and contrast, how-to, newspaper writing, biography, or other popular high school essays,  the guesswork is gone.

Your students will earn points based on how well their essays answer certain questions. For instance, in a persuasive essay, they could earn anywhere from 1-10 points based on how clearly their introductory paragraph introduces the topic and the student’s view. Some questions are more important than others, and the potential points in the grading grid sections reflect this.

After you have evaluated all the questions and assigned the points, total the numbers to reveal the grade.

You can also grab a FREE Sample Grading Rubric from the book HERE .

Sarah Shelton

Sarah is a wife, daughter of the King and Mama to 4 children (two homeschool graduates) She is a an eclectic, Charlotte Mason style homeschooler that has been homeschooling for over 20 years.. She is still trying to find the balance between work and keeping a home and gardens. She can only do it by the Grace of God, coffee and green juice

Related resources

books on shelves

All 43 Dear America Books in Order (Free Printable List)

child sorting letters

The Importance of Teaching Phonics + 10 Ways to Teach It

biography project rubric middle school

50+ Free All About Me Printable Worksheets for Kids

Free Printable Charts and Posters text with an image of a little boy wearing a tie-dye t-shirt

Free Printable Charts and Posters for Preschool Learning

playdough number mats

Printable Number Playdough Mats 1-10 (Free Download)

children playing with blocks

The Best Tips for Homeschooling Multiple Grades & Levels

biography project rubric middle school

  • Rating Count
  • Price (Ascending)
  • Price (Descending)
  • Most Recent

Rubrics for biography

Resource type.

Preview of Biography Research Project Graphic Organizer, Templates, Rubrics, Report Writing

Biography Research Project Graphic Organizer, Templates, Rubrics , Report Writing

biography project rubric middle school

FAMOUS PERSON BIOGRAPHY RESEARCH Graphic Organizer Template history + RUBRIC

biography project rubric middle school

Modern Art Game Bundle: Art Rubric , PowerPoint, Exit Tickets, & Artist Biography

biography project rubric middle school

Black History Month Cereal Box Biography with Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Student Choice Biography Research Project — Secondary ELA — CCSS Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Paul Cezanne Art Lesson: Roll A Dice Drawing Game, Art Rubric , Artist Biography

Preview of Inventor and/or Biography Research Brochure with Example and Rubric

Inventor and/or Biography Research Brochure with Example and Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Rubric (Upper Elementary)

biography project rubric middle school

Hispanic Heritage Month Activities Biography Research Flipbook, Rubric & Banner

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Project & Rubric - Funko Pop Characters for All Subjects

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Writing Activity + Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

5 Paragraph Biography Outline w. Rubric - Easy, Guided Introduction to the Essay

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Book Report & Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Research Project, Graphic Organizers, Rubric , Who Was?, Who Is? Books

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Essay Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Ancient History Wax Museum Biography Research Project - Rubrics & Organizers 6-8

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Report Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Project Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Report Research Outline | Pre-Write | Rubric | Cube Activity

biography project rubric middle school

Women's History Month Research Project Poster Biography with rubric

biography project rubric middle school

5 BIOGRAPHY Research Projects with RUBRICS (Presidents, Black History) BUNDLE

biography project rubric middle school

Biography Rubric

biography project rubric middle school

Pride LGBTQ+ Biography Project- 24 Influential People, Templates, Rubric incl.

biography project rubric middle school

Black History Biography Project- 24 Influential People, Templates, Rubric incl.

  • We're hiring
  • Help & FAQ
  • Privacy policy
  • Student privacy
  • Terms of service
  • Tell us what you think

VIDEO

  1. Rubric- Video 1, Project Based Learning course

  2. Rubric- video 2, Project Based Learning course

  3. Rachel Zidow Behaviorist Biography Project- Bridget Taylor

  4. 9th standard project sachin tendulkar biography| project by Vetrivel.st

  5. My Biography Project

  6. Dante biography project 2024

COMMENTS

  1. Biography Project: Research and Class Presentation

    Overview. Set the stage for high-interest reading with a purpose through a biography project. Students work together to generate questions they would like to answer about several well-known people, then each student chooses one of these and finds information by reading a biography from the library and doing Internet research.

  2. PDF Biography Book Project Rubric

    e the biography book project. It should also be used as a working guide for students to think about the criteria on wh. ch their work will be graded. Before finalizing your project, make sure you have included all the in. ormation i. t. e rubric below. Good luck!1. Picture. fo.

  3. Biography Presentation Rubric—Middle School

    3. 2. 1. Theme. My biography has a theme that reflects what is unique, interesting, and important about the person I am writing about. My biography attempts to have a theme but generally just has a topic. My biography has a topic, rather than a theme. My biography is about many different topics.

  4. Quick Tips for Teaching the Middle School Biography Writing Project

    Take notes on your person using the 5 Ws or Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Use the writing frames to start writing your paragraphs. Type up your writing frames into one complete draft. Participate in a peer review with a checklist. Submit a completed type 3 writing draft.

  5. Biography Writing: Purpose, Criteria, and Rubric for Grades 7-12

    Middle and high school teachers should allow students to have a choice in selecting the subject for a biography. Providing student choice, particularly for students in grades 7-12, increases their engagement and their motivation especially if students select individuals they care about. ... "Assignment Biography: Student Criteria and Rubric for ...

  6. PDF Biography project Name……………………………..

    CONVENTIONS • spelling • punctuation • grammar • frequent errors • some noticeable errors • few errors . • sense of control; any errors are

  7. How To Structure A Successful Biography Research Project

    Completing a biography research guide will help your students remain focused and on task. The format and structure of the research guide is based on the needs of your students. Hopefully, the items listed below will point you in the right direction. Cover Page: It's important to review the meaning of the term biography and require students to ...

  8. iRubric: Biography Writing Rubric Middle School

    Discuss this rubric with other members. iRubric EX383W8: Rubric title Biography Writing Rubric Middle School. <!---. Rubric possible points is 30. --->Built by kcompupal using iRubric.com. Free rubric builder and assessment tools.

  9. Biography Presentation Rubric—Middle School

    A rubric in student language written for middle school students to self-assess biography presentations. Subject: Arts and Humanities, English Language Arts, History Level: Middle School Grades: Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8 Material Type: Assessment Author: Clarity Innovations Date Added: 06/27/2017

  10. Free Biography Project Ideas for Middle School Students

    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 ...

  11. 7 Quick Tips for Student Biography Projects

    Click here to see what I like to include. 7. Don't Forget a Rubric. Students need to start with the end in mind. A rubric will give students a clear understanding of the project expectations. Using your research guide to create your rubric is an easy way to make sure your expectations align with your instruction.

  12. Biography Project Rubric by HappyEdugator

    This rubric is included in my Middle School Writing Rubrics BUNDLE. Related Products. ⭐ Biography Project: Poster Person, Poster, or Diorama with Easel Activity. ⭐ We Didn't Start the Fire - 20th Century Famous People Biography Research Project. Follow me HERE to get notified of updates, sales, free resources, and new products. All new ...

  13. Writing a Biography Project

    Available on the Plus Plan. Use this PowerPoint template for students to author a researched-based biography on a historical figure. Biographies are an essential genre of literature. These immersive texts allow readers to dive deeper into the experiences of figures and explore life through their eyes.

  14. How to Write a Biography: Upper Elementary to Middle School

    Step 1: Read a Biography. The first step for students before writing a biography is to read one. They need to see a real-life example before tackling their own biography assignment. Elementary students can read biography picture books or Who Was? biography novels.

  15. Biography Project Templates Middle School Teaching Resources

    Browse biography project templates middle school resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources.

  16. Biography Presentation Rubric—Middle School

    A rubric in student language written for middle school students to self-assess biography presentations. Subject: Arts and Humanities, English Language Arts, History. Level: Middle School. Grades: Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8. Material Type: Assessment.

  17. Biography Project Rubric

    Resource type: Worksheet/Activity. File previews. pdf, 794.33 KB. Biography Project Rubric. This rubric is for a student written biography project. Includes assessment of: Focus on Assigned Topic. Organization. Spelling and Punctuation.

  18. Biography Rubrics Teaching Resources

    A great guide for writing a biography. This rubric is for a student written biography project. Two versions included. Includes assessment of: Focus on Assigned Topic, Organization, Spelling and Punctuation, Accuracy of Facts, Creativity, Neatness, Illustrations, with room for comments and grade at the bottom.

  19. iRubric: Biography Writing Rubric Middle School

    iRubric R2W4C84: Rubric title Biography Writing Rubric Middle School. Built by jorelelim using iRubric.com. Free rubric builder and assessment tools.

  20. Biography Essay Rubric Teaching Resources

    2. $5.99. PDF. This is a complete unit focusing on writing a First Hand Biography essay. In this unit, you will find a writing prompt, prewriting exercises, the composition outline, revising ideas, a scoring rubric, and a scope and sequence. This unit typically takes one to two weeks, depending on your students' needs.

  21. FREE Grade Rubrics and Assessments for Middle and Highschool

    Here are some great free rubrics and grading assessments to help your middle and highschool students! How to Create Your Own Grading Rubric for Highschool (free printable) from BJU Press. Autobiography Rubric - Teacher Planet. Geography Rubric - Teacher Planet. 6 Traits Writing Rubrics - Teacher Planet. Algebra 1 Rubric from TPT.

  22. Biography Writing Rubric by Middle School Menagerie and More

    This is a simple well constructed Common Core based writing rubric that can be used anytime you ask your students to construct a biographical piece of writing. PARCC also places biographical writing on its list of writing students must be exposed to, therefore it is important we look for well constructed writing pieces that follow our high ...

  23. rubrics for biography

    Use and reuse this blank graphic organizer for informational writing guides students in compiling key facts about a famous person, allowing you to assess research, writing and ora