Description
Have your students create a collaborative poster and learn about Jack Johnson in a fun, fresh, and engaging way! Through this activity, students will explore Johnson’s groundbreaking achievements as the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion and his influence on sports history and civil rights. As they work together, they’ll also strengthen their teamwork and communication skills while contributing to one unified final product.
This biography research activity is an excellent addition to any Black History Month celebration, sports history lesson, or modern American history unit. Students will connect Johnson’s athletic accomplishments and cultural impact to broader themes of resilience, determination, and change.
Students will begin by researching Jack Johnson and gathering information about his background, achievements, and influence on society and sports. They’ll then record their findings in the designated sections on the poster before working together to color or paint and assemble the final display. Once completed, the six-piece poster can be printed on regular paper or cardstock and will measure approximately 28" x 15" when taped together. For long-lasting classroom use, you can laminate the finished product.
This resource includes student directions, a project rubric, and a brainstorm graphic organizer (all provided in both PDF and editable Word document formats). It also includes six blank coloring pages that come together to form one cohesive poster, a Jack Johnson answer key, and an example of the final project to guide and inspire your students.