Historical Figure Sketchnote

A creative way to summarize someone’s life, impact, and legacy.

This sketchnote template helps students dig deeper into a historical figure’s background, contributions, and why they still matter today. With dedicated space for sketching key moments and reflecting on their influence, this is a great tool for biography units, research projects, or social justice work.
Use this with:

• Civil Rights leaders
• Inventors and innovators
• Authors, poets, and artists
• Political figures and revolutionaries
• Activists and changemakers

Classroom Use Example: Mini Research Project or Literature Tie-InObjective: Students will summarize the life and contributions of a historical figure using research and visuals.
Lesson Flow:

1. Choose a Figure
   Assign or let students select a person related to your current unit (e.g., Dolores Huerta, Benjamin Banneker, Malala Yousafzai, Ada Lovelace).
   
2. Gather Key Facts
   Students research the person’s background, contributions, and legacy using classroom texts, vetted websites, or short videos. Provide a note-capture sheet if needed.
   
3. Sketchnote Creation
   Using the template, students organize their thinking into three parts:
   
   • Early life and influences
     
   • Achievements and actions
     
   • Legacy and reflection
     Encourage icons, dates, and short quotes!
     

4. Reflect & Share
Ask students to reflect: What surprised you about this person? What do you think their biggest impact was? Display finished sketchnotes or use them for presentations.


Tips for Success

• Model one together using a well-known figure first
• Provide icon banks for ideas (books, microphones, timelines, scales, etc.)
• Let students color-code sections (e.g., blue = background, green = impact, orange = legacy)
• Use as a visual alternative to a biography report

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Download the TemplateClick below to download the printable PDF and use it in your next biography or social studies lesson.

Sketchnote in Drive