Description
Have your students create a collaborative poster and learn about Katharine Graham in a fun, fresh, and engaging way! Through this activity, students will explore Graham’s influential career as the publisher of The Washington Post, her courageous leadership during the Pentagon Papers and Watergate era, and her legacy as a pioneering female leader in journalism. 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 media studies, Women’s History Month, journalism units, or lessons on leadership and civic responsibility. Students will connect Graham’s resilience, decision-making, and groundbreaking achievements to broader themes of integrity, empowerment, and freedom of the press.
Students will begin by researching Katharine Graham and gathering information about her background, accomplishments, and lasting impact on journalism and American history. 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. It also includes six blank coloring pages that come together to form one cohesive poster, a Katharine Graham answer key, an example of the final project colored, and a digitally colored example to guide and inspire your students.