Description
Have your students create a collaborative poster and learn about Nelson Mandela in a fun, fresh, and engaging way! Through this activity, students will explore Mandela’s leadership in ending apartheid, his perseverance through years of imprisonment, and his lasting legacy as a global symbol of peace and justice. 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, social studies curriculum, or world history unit. Students will connect Mandela’s life, activism, and presidency to broader themes of equality, human rights, and courage.
Students will begin by researching Nelson Mandela and gathering information about his background, accomplishments, and impact on society. 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 Nelson Mandela answer key, and an example of the final project to guide and inspire your students.