Teaching Students How to Paraphrase and Avoid Plagiarism

Have you ever been reading one of your students' research papers when you hit a sentence and immediately think, "There is no way you wrote that!"? Sometimes, our students know they copied something. Other times, they truly don't realize they've done anything wrong. Think about how easy research is for our students now. They can type a question into Google, see an answer right at the top of the search results, and copy it without ever opening a website. To them, they've found the answer. To us, it's the perfect reminder that we need to explicitly teach our students how to paraphrase, use information from sources, and still make their writing sound like their own.

Before Teaching How to Paraphrase, Talk About Plagiarism

When you tell your students not to plagiarize, what do they think that actually means? Some of our students may picture copying an entire paper from the internet and turning it in with their name at the top. Of course, they know they shouldn't do that! What they may not recognize is all the smaller ways plagiarism can sneak into their writing.

This is where I like to make plagiarism really concrete. Plagiarism can be defined as simply as using another person's words or ideas as your own. That definition gives you plenty to talk about. Copying a sentence from a website is plagiarism, but taking someone's idea and presenting it as your own can be plagiarism, too.

Try pulling up a Google search in front of your students. Search for a question related to whatever you're studying and point out the information that appears right on the results page. Then ask, "Can I copy this sentence and put it in my paper?" You may be surprised by how many of your students think the answer is yes. They aren't necessarily trying to cheat. They see an answer sitting right in front of them and don't always make the connection that a person or source created that information. From here, we need to teach how to appropriately use the information they've found in their work.

Show Your Students How to Paraphrase so They Understand How to "Use Their Own Words"

"Now take what you've found and put it in your own words." We've all said it. The problem is that our students don't necessarily know what we're asking them to do! A student may copy a sentence, swap out three words for synonyms, rearrange another phrase, and proudly tell you they paraphrased it.

You need to explicitly show your students how to paraphrase one small piece of information at a time. Put a short passage on the board and read it together. Before anyone starts rewriting, ask, "What did we actually learn from this?" Talk about the important idea until your students can explain it without relying on the wording in front of them.

Then comes the part that can make a huge difference - taking the original away. Cover it, minimize the tab, or turn the paper over. Now ask your students to explain what they learned to a partner. If they can say, "Basically, this is telling us that..." without looking at the source, they're beginning to process the information instead of copying its sentence structure.

Once they can explain the idea, have them write it. Afterward, bring the original source back and compare the two. Ask your students, "Did we keep the meaning accurate? Did we accidentally use the same phrases? Does our sentence sound like something we would actually write?" With this practice, "use your own words" has become a process your students can follow rather than a direction they're expected to just understand.

Help Your Students Spot a Paraphrase That Is Still Too Close

Sometimes, though, a paraphrase sounds too much like the original source material. This is where things can get a little tricky. Your students may now understand that they shouldn't copy an entire sentence, but they may think that changing a handful of words fixes the problem. We need to show them that paraphrasing is about more than finding synonyms.

Let's say your students are researching ancient Rome. Imagine their source says that Roman roads allowed soldiers to travel quickly throughout the empire. One of your students writes, "Roman roads helped soldiers move quickly across the empire." They changed "allowed" to "helped" and "travel" to "move". In their mind, it's mission accomplished!

Instead of immediately telling them it's wrong, ask, "Okay, forget about the sentence for a second. What did you learn?" Maybe your student says, "Rome had all these roads, so the army could get where it needed to go faster." There it is. That's your student's understanding of the information, and now you have something to work with.

You can then help your student turn that explanation into writing that fits the paper. You're showing them that paraphrasing starts with understanding the information, not hunting for different words. That's an important shift, and it gives your students a strategy they can use with the next source rather than simply fixing this one sentence for them.

Make Sure Your Student's Voice is Still in Their Writing

One of my favorite things to address during our paraphrasing and plagiarism discussion is writing voice. Remind your students that most of their paper should be made of their own ideas, words, and voice. Have your students reread their paper and consider if they are actually in their writing.

I love that question because your students usually know when something doesn't sound like them. You know it, too! If your student who normally writes straightforward sentences suddenly gives you a paragraph packed with sophisticated vocabulary and complicated sentence structures, that's a good reason to stop and talk about where the information came from.

Make this part of the editing process. Have your students choose a paragraph and read it back to themselves. Ask your students, "Could you explain everything you wrote here without looking at your paper?" If they can't explain what a sentence means, that's a clue that they need to go back to the source, understand the information, and try writing it again.

Learning how to paraphrase isn't about making borrowed information difficult for us to recognize. We want our students to understand what they're researching well enough to communicate that information themselves. Their finished papers should reflect their understanding and still sound like them.

Teach Your Students That Paraphrasing Doesn't Mean You Skip the Citation

Here comes another one your students can easily misunderstand, "But I put it in my own words!" Yes, you did. That's exactly what we wanted you to do. The words may be yours, while the information still came from someone else. Learning how to paraphrase doesn't mean learning how to make a source disappear.

Your students can absolutely include ideas and quotations from other people. When they paraphrase another person's words or ideas or use a direct quote, however, they still need to give that person credit. I always explain that giving credit helps them as writers avoid plagiarism and helps readers find the source later. 

Try giving your students two questions to ask themselves: "Whose words are these?" and "Whose idea is this?" After paraphrasing, they may be able to answer, "These are my words." Great! Now ask the second question. If they learned that information from someone else's work, they still need to give credit to the source.

Talk About Google Before Your Students Start Researching

This conversation has become especially important because of how our students search for information. When we were learning to write research papers, we usually had to open a book, an article, an encyclopedia, or an actual website to get the information we needed. Our students can sometimes see what may be an answer without clicking anything.

Put yourself in their shoes for a second. Your teacher asks a question. You Google it. A nice little answer appears right at the top. Why wouldn't you write it down? If no one has ever explained where those words came from, copying them may not feel like copying.

That's why I wouldn't wait until you catch plagiarism to have this conversation. Show your students a search results page before they begin researching. Point to the information they can see and ask, "Who wrote this?" Then follow with, "If Google shows it to us, does that make it ours?" You're helping students understand that Google is helping them find information. It isn't giving them ownership of the words they find.

From there, bring them back to the process you've already practiced. Find the source. Read the information to figure out what it means. Move away from the original wording, and explain the idea yourself. Write it in your own words. Then give credit where credit is due.

Don't Forget to Talk About AI and Student Writing

Now, we have one more research-writing conversation to add to the mix: AI. Just like that answer sitting at the top of a Google search, AI can make it incredibly easy for your students to get polished writing almost instantly. Your student can type in a prompt, ask for a paragraph, and receive something that looks ready to paste into an assignment. That convenience is exactly why we need to talk about it before your students begin writing.

Be clear about what is and isn't allowed for your assignment. If your students aren't allowed to use AI to generate their writing, tell them that directly and explain why. The goal of a research paper isn't simply to turn in five paragraphs that contain correct information. And it isn't about completing all the research and then giving the sources to AI to write their paper either. You want to see whether your students can research a topic, understand what they've learned, organize their thinking, and communicate it in their own words.

This connects right back to the question you've already taught your students to ask, which is "Am I in this paper?" If AI did the thinking, organizing, and writing, your student's voice isn't really there. The specific rules around AI may look different from classroom to classroom, but your students shouldn't have to guess what your expectations are.

Reinforce How to Paraphrase and Avoid Plagiarism with Doodle Notes

Once you've introduced these ideas, your students will need something they can return to. That's where my Avoiding Plagiarism in Social Studies Doodle Notes can help reinforce the conversations you're already having in class.

My Doodle Notes reinforce how your students' papers should contain their own ideas, words, and voices while also teaching them to give credit when they use someone else's work. They also introduce your students to citations and Works Cited or Bibliography pages, along with the idea that citation styles can differ depending on the subject. 

Most importantly, you're helping your students understand why all of this matters. You don't want your students spending an entire research project worrying they might accidentally plagiarize. You want them to feel confident reading a source, figuring out what it means, and deciding how to use that information appropriately.

If you want a full resource that lays all this information in one central place, grab my Avoiding Plagiarism in Social Studies Doodle Notes today to get started. This can become a meaningful reference for how to avoid plagiarism that your students can turn back to again and again.

If you love using the doodle notes to help your students work through important concepts like this one, be sure to explore my full collection of Doodle Notes in my store. You'll find note pages covering a variety of Social Studies topics like the 13 Colonies, African Kingdoms, the American Revolution, and All About Maps, to name a few! 

Save for Later

Teaching how to paraphrase is much easier when your students get plenty of practice before a big research assignment comes their way. Save this post so you can come back to the modeling, student questions, and examples the next time you're getting ready to teach research writing.

Teaching Study Skills for Students in the Classroom

The next time you announce an upcoming test and give time to prepare for it, take a look around the room. You may see several of your students look completely overwhelmed. Some read one page of their study guide repeatedly. Others are kicking back, planning to study everything the night before. A few honestly do not know what studying even looks like. Teaching study skills for students can turn that uncertainty into a clear, manageable plan. When you use direct instruction and practice, your students can discover strategies they can actually use.

Why We Need to Teach Study Skills for Students

We often tell our students to study. But do we explain what that word means? To us, studying may include reviewing notes, highlighting questions, or organizing information. We have years of experience that have defined this word for us. But our students, on the other hand, do not. Students may hear the same direction and be left wondering what to do. To help them develop strong study skills, we need to teach them, just like we would any other topic. 

Study skills for students work best when we teach them before a major assessment. Choose an upcoming quiz or test with several days available for practice. This gives your students time to try each strategy with real class content. They can then decide which approaches help them notice gaps and remember information.

Ready to learn more about teaching study skills in the classroom? Let's dive in!

1. Teach Students That Studying is a Process 

We know what often happens when our students wait until the night before a test. They try to review everything at once and quickly become frustrated. Help students break the cycle of last-minute cram sessions by showing them that studying is a process. Then show them how to create a schedule of short study sessions that feels more manageable and gives them time to review over several days.

Start by working backward from the assessment date as a class. Place the date on the board, then identify several possible study days. Ask your students to consider homework, practices, family plans, and other responsibilities. They can then choose short review periods that fit their actual schedules.

I remember when a student had an "ah-ha" moment during this lesson. They said something along the lines of 'Oooohhhhhh! This is why you tell us we have a test next Friday.' I realized that I had been guilty of statements like this without explaining why I was giving them advance notice.

2. Teach Students Why Reviewing Notes Matters

For many students, the idea of going back and reviewing notes is a foreign concept. To them, notes are just something we do while sitting in class.  They aren't really sure why, but this is what they have been taught to do. But. . . they have never been taught that the real value of notes comes in reviewing them later. Once we help our students understand that reviewing the notes can help us remember, we then need to teach them how to review their notes. 

We have all watched our students reread the same page without actually processing it. They may reach the bottom and remember almost nothing. Show your students that reviewing notes requires them to pause, question, and mark important information. This gives them something specific to do instead of simply reading the page again.

Model the process with one page of notes from your current unit. Read a small section, then pause beside an important idea. You might say, "I remember this person, but I cannot explain why this event mattered." Mark that spot and show your students how it becomes a question for later.

Build this skill into the final few minutes of class each day. Give them three minutes to reread, mark one key point, and circle one question. Then, your students can ask you for help before a misunderstanding grows. This short routine also makes test preparation feel less overwhelming later.

3. Teach Them About Color Coding Their Notes

We've known for years that color can help with attention, memory, and recall. In fact, the scientific evidence of color and how it affects memory and learning has been around for many years. That makes color coding more than just a way to make notes look nice. Let's teach them why and how to use it effectively.

This strategy works really well with the reviewing notes strategy above.  I like to begin by encouraging students to write their notes by hand instead of typing. Handwriting naturally slows the process and gives your students time to consider each idea. Then I like to show them how to add color to their notes to make them even stronger.

When students use color with a purpose, it can help them organize information and find important details more easily. I suggest that you teach students to color-code their notes using different colors for people, events, vocabulary, definitions, causes, and effects. When they use the same colors on all their notes, they can quickly identify an important person from a vocabulary word in social studies, science, or math class. 

Make sure to explain that every color needs a clear job connected to the content. Then show them what this looks like.  Show them how to color only the most important details, not everything.  I like to show an example of notes color-coded by key bits of information and an example where the entire page has been given color. This really helps them see that coloring everything is not as useful as focusing on the most important facts and details. 

4. The Student Becomes the Teacher

Another simple strategy you can share with your students is to have them teach the topic to someone else. Using their notes, students can verbally tell another person, or even the family dog, about the topic. Your students may laugh when you suggest teaching their notes to a pet, but that is part of the fun. The listener does not need to understand the topic or ask difficult questions. Your students simply need to explain the information without reading every word. 

When they do this, they will quickly notice where their explanations become a little shaky. They will realize what areas they solidly understand, and what areas they rely a little too heavily on their notes. The key is having them put the information into their own words. This process quickly reveals which ideas your students understand and which ones remain unclear.

Demonstrate this study skill for students with a familiar topic. Explain one concept without reading directly from your notes. When you get stuck, show your students how to return to the page and check the missing detail. This helps them see that forgetting is part of the learning process, not something to be embarrassed about.

Next, place your students in pairs for a short practice session. Give each partner one minute to explain a person, event, process, or vocabulary term. The listener can ask, "Why does that matter?" or "What happened next?" After the exercise, ask students to identify what information they felt strongly about and what needed more review. 

5. Teach Different Ways to Organize Information

Sometimes students know lots of facts, but they don't really see how they fit together. That's where this study skills strategy comes into play. Organizing information helps your students see how separate details connect. There are a variety of ways students can organize information: lists, outlines, timelines, mind maps, and graphic organizers. Each format serves a different purpose, so your students might need help choosing one. Make sure to show students what type of information works best with each format. 

For example, if you are studying the order of key battles in World War II, you would want to use a timeline. Show students how a timeline helps us sequence events.  On the other hand, if you are reviewing the causes of the Civil War, a mind map might be a stronger tool to use. By introducing your students to a variety of organizing methods, you equip them with strategies to help them better understand what they have learned.

My Step-by-Step Lesson for Teaching Study Skills

If you are ready to teach study skills to your students, my Study Skills Doodle Notes is the perfect place to start. This resource includes everything you need to teach these strategies to your students and to give them explicit practice with each strategy. 

Begin by introducing each study skill, one at a time. The PowerPoint guides your students through the notes as a class. Students can use the coordinated Doodle Notes page as they learn.

Pause after each strategy to model what it looks like. Don't just show students, but tell them what you are thinking, too. I like to use an example from the current topic we are studying because the information is fresh in their minds. Then ask students where they could use that strategy during the week. This type of discussion helps them internalize the strategy and see how it can play out in their day to day life. 

Next up, give students a chance to practice these study skills without a test grade being on the line. You can teach one strategy then practice it, or teach all the strategies and then rotate through the stations. Allow 10 to 15 minutes at each station for your students to really try and experience each strategy.

Finish up with a discussion of the study skill strategy. Ask them what they like about it, and what they didn't like. Ask them how they found the strategy helpful. And. . . ask them how they might make small changes to the strategy to make it work better for them. This is the part of the process that really helps students see that the strategies are there to support them, not become another rigid procedure they have to repeat.

Help Your Students Put These Study Skills Into Practice

Our students do not automatically know how to prepare for a test, and we can't assume that someone else taught them.  That's why teaching study skills can be one of the important lessons you teach all year. Students need clear examples, time to practice, and chances to reflect. My Social Studies Study Skills Doodle Notes set brings those pieces together. It helps you teach preparation as a process instead of another vague direction. Whether you use this as a beginning-of-the-year lesson or before a unit test, your students will walk away with a new skill that goes far beyond your classroom.

Explore my Social Studies Study Skills Doodle Notes to help your students practice strategies with structured notes and hands-on activities. Most importantly, your students learn what studying can actually look like.

Save for Later

Save this post when your students need a clearer approach to test preparation. These study skills for students can help you turn "Go study" into practical steps they understand.

Meaningful Black History Month Activities for Middle School and High School

Every February, I see teachers searching for meaningful Black History Month activities that go beyond the same coloring pages, timelines, and biography reports. We want our middle school and high school students to connect with real people whose stories spark curiosity and lead to meaningful conversations. One of my favorite ways to make that happen is through student research because every biography tells a story of perseverance, leadership, creativity, or innovation. When our students discover someone whose experiences or career interests match their own, Black History Month becomes much more than another classroom assignment.

Why I Believe Black History Month Matters

Black History Month gives us an opportunity to intentionally make space for stories that deserve to be shared. While many of our students recognize a few well-known names, they are often surprised to learn just how many Black Americans have shaped literature, science, business, government, sports, music, and countless other fields. Those discoveries help our students see that history is made by people from every background who have made the decision to make a difference.

I've found that research projects create some of the best classroom conversations. You might have a student who loves basketball and becomes fascinated by an athlete's determination. Another one of your students who enjoys writing may discover an author whose books inspire a lifelong love of reading. Giving your students choices helps them find someone whose story genuinely interests them.

That's why biography research remains one of my favorite Black History Month activities for middle school and high school. Our students practice research and reading skills while learning about people whose accomplishments continue to influence our world today. By the end of the month, your class will have explored dozens of remarkable lives and shared those discoveries with one another.

Civil Rights Leaders and Activists to Research During Black History Month

When many of us think about Black History Month, civil rights leaders are often the first individuals who come to mind. Their courage and determination changed our country, but each one of them contributed in a unique way. Some organized peaceful protests. Others challenged unfair laws in court. Many devoted their lives to creating opportunities for future generations.

These biographies also help our students understand that lasting change rarely happens because of one person alone. Every movement is built by individuals who use their voices, talents, and leadership in different ways. 

Martin Luther King Jr. 

Martin Luther King Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement through nonviolent protest and powerful speeches that called for equality and justice. His leadership helped inspire major civil rights legislation. His legacy continues to encourage people around the world to stand up for fairness and compassion.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her courage helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott and inspired countless others to challenge racial injustice.

John Lewis

John Lewis was a civil rights activist who organized sit-ins, participated in the Freedom Rides, and helped lead the historic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. He later served more than three decades in Congress. During that time, he continued advocating for voting rights and equality.

Claudette Colvin

At just fifteen years old, Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus months before Rosa Parks did. Although her story is less widely known, her bravery played an important role in the fight to end bus segregation.

Bryan Stevenson

Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer, author, and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. Through his work, he has fought for criminal justice reform and helped bring national attention to issues of racial inequality and wrongful convictions.

Athletes to Research During Black History Month

Sports have the power to bring people together, but they have also been a platform for breaking barriers and inspiring change. Many Black athletes have overcome challenges both on and off the field while leaving a lasting impact on their sport. Their stories show our students that success is built through hard work, determination, and the courage to stand up for what they believe in.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in Major League Baseball's modern era when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His courage and perseverance helped break baseball's color barrier and opened doors for future generations of athletes.

Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph overcame childhood illnesses, including polio, to become one of the fastest women in the world. She won three gold medals at the 1960 Olympic Games.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles during her remarkable career. She has inspired millions through her athletic achievements, as well as her advocacy for women and equal opportunities in sports.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history, earning numerous Olympic and World Championship medals. Along with her incredible accomplishments, she has encouraged important conversations about mental health and the well-being of athletes.

LeBron James

LeBron James is one of the most accomplished basketball players in NBA history. He has earned multiple championships and MVP awards throughout his career. Beyond basketball, he founded the I PROMISE School and continues to support education and opportunities for children in his community.

Writers, Poets, and Journalists to Research During Black History Month

Books, poems, essays, and newspaper articles have helped shape history just as much as speeches and laws. Black writers and journalists have documented important events, challenged injustice, celebrated culture, and shared stories that continue to influence readers today. Their work gives our students the opportunity to explore history through powerful words and personal experiences.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She published numerous books and poems throughout her career. This led her to become one of the most influential literary voices of the twentieth century.

Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison was a novelist and editor whose books explored the Black experience in America through storytelling and unforgettable characters. She received both the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Black woman to earn the Nobel Prize in Literature.

James Baldwin

James Baldwin was an essayist, novelist, and playwright whose writing examined race, identity, and social justice in America. His books and essays remain widely studied for their analysis of American society and culture.

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman is a poet and activist who gained international recognition after reading her poem The Hill We Climb at the 2021 presidential inauguration. She is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history and continues to write about leadership, identity, and hope.

Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was an investigative journalist, newspaper editor, and civil rights activist who exposed the horrors of lynching through her reporting. She also helped found organizations that advocated for civil rights and women's suffrage.

Scientists, Inventors, and Innovators 

Some of the world's most important discoveries and inventions came from Black scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and inventors. Their work has improved agriculture, advanced space exploration, strengthened technology, and even influenced the devices many of us use every day. 

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations helped NASA safely send astronauts into space and return them to Earth. Her work supported the Mercury and Apollo missions and remained essential during the early years of the U.S. space program.

Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel into space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. Before joining NASA, she worked as a physician and later founded organizations that support science education and technology.

George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist who developed hundreds of products using crops such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. He also promoted farming methods that improved soil health, and he helped farmers grow crops more sustainably.

Lonnie Johnson

Lonnie Johnson is an engineer and inventor who holds more than 100 patents. He is best known for inventing the Super Soaker water toy. He has also developed technologies related to energy production and space exploration.

Gladys West

Gladys West is a mathematician whose work processing satellite data contributed to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Her mathematical models helped improve the accuracy of satellite mapping, making modern navigation systems possible.

Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Innovation isn't limited to laboratories or government offices. Many Black entrepreneurs have built successful businesses, created products, and opened doors for future generations of business owners. From beauty products to technology and fashion, these business leaders turned ideas into companies that continue to make an impact today.

Madame C. J. Walker

Madam C. J. Walker built a successful hair care company that created products specifically for Black women. She became one of the first self-made female millionaires in the United States. While doing so, she was also supporting education, charitable organizations, and civil rights causes.

Reginald F. Lewis

Reginald F. Lewis was a lawyer and businessman who became the first Black American to build a billion-dollar company. His acquisition of Beatrice International Foods made history and demonstrated the growing influence of Black entrepreneurs in corporate America.

Daymond John

Daymond John founded the clothing brand FUBU. It grew from a small startup into an internationally recognized fashion company. He is also an investor on the television show Shark Tank, where he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.

Tristan Walker

Tristan Walker is the founder and CEO of Walker & Company Brands. This is a company that develops health and beauty products designed for people of color. His work has helped address gaps in the consumer products industry while expanding representation in business and technology.

Lisa Price

Lisa Price founded Carol's Daughter after creating natural hair and skincare products in her Brooklyn kitchen. Her company grew into a nationally recognized beauty brand and helped pave the way for other entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.

Politicians, Judges, and Government Leaders

Throughout American history, Black leaders have helped shape our government through public service, the courts, and elected office. They have written laws, argued landmark court cases, and made decisions that continue to influence the country today. 

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. In 1972, she made history again as the first Black candidate to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party.

Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall was a lawyer who successfully argued Brown v. Board of Education before the United States Supreme Court, helping end racial segregation in public schools. He later became the first Black Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama became the first Black President of the United States when he was elected in 2008. During his two terms in office, his administration focused on issues including healthcare reform, economic recovery, and international diplomacy.

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris became the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States. Before serving as vice president, she was a district attorney, California attorney general, and United States senator.

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court in 2022. Before joining the Court, she served as a federal public defender, district court judge, and judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Artists, Musicians, and Performers to Research During Black History Month

Music, dance, theater, and film have helped shape culture for generations. Artists have introduced new styles of music. They've broken barriers in the performing arts and created works that continue to influence audiences around the world. 

Louis Armstrong 

Louis Armstrong was a jazz trumpeter, singer, and composer who helped popularize jazz around the world. His innovative style influenced generations of musicians and earned him recognition as one of the most important figures in jazz history.

Nina Simone

Nina Simone was a singer, pianist, and songwriter known for blending jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music. Many of her songs also became powerful anthems of the Civil Rights Movement.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland became the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre in 2015. Her accomplishments challenged long-standing barriers in professional ballet and brought greater attention to diversity in the dance world.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is an award-winning actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She is one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status, earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award during her career.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is a singer, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman whose music has earned dozens of Grammy Awards. She has also made significant contributions to film, fashion, and philanthropy.

Educators and Trailblazers

Some people change history by teaching others, opening doors, and creating opportunities that last for generations. Black educators and trailblazers have founded schools, advanced research, and challenged ideas about education and equality. 

Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson was a historian, author, and educator often called the "Father of Black History." He founded Negro History Week in 1926. This later grew into the Black History Month we celebrate today.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator who founded the Daytona Literary and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls. Later on, it became Bethune-Cookman University. She also advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt on issues affecting Black Americans and education.

W. E. B. Du Bois

W. E. B. Du Bois was a sociologist, historian, author, and civil rights leader whose research challenged racial inequality in the United States. He was also one of the founding members of the NAACP and published numerous books and scholarly works.

Marva Collins

Marva Collins was an educator who founded the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago to provide a rigorous education for students who had struggled in traditional classrooms. Her teaching methods gained national attention and influenced educators across the country.

Bettina Love

Bettina Love is an author, professor, and educational researcher whose work focuses on equity, culturally responsive teaching, and educational justice. Her books and research encourage creating classrooms where every student feels valued and supported.

Help Make Research Approachable With This Black History Month Graphic Organizer

After your students choose someone to research, it's helpful to give everyone the same framework for organizing their learning. Whether your students select a different person or you assign individuals by category, a research page keeps your students focused on the most important information. It also makes it easy for your students to share what they've learned with classmates.

That's exactly why I created my free Black History Spotlight Page. As your students research their historical figure, they'll record information for short and fun prompts. They'll have space to jot down biographical information, accomplishments, an important quote, explain significance, and create three hashtags that capture their legacy. They can even write a question they would ask if they had the opportunity to meet them. These prompts encourage your students to zero in on specific facts, showing them that research is doable. 

One of my favorite ways to use the completed spotlight pages is to create a classroom gallery walk. Display each of your students' finished pages around the room. Give your students time to read about several different historical figures. If you have time, you can also have them share their research with the class individually or with their partner, if they have one. By the end of the activities, your students won't just know the person they researched. They'll leave with an understanding of the individuals who have shaped Black history.

Make Black History Month Meaningful for Your Students

Black History Month gives us an opportunity to introduce our students to people whose ideas, talents, and leadership helped shape the world we live in today. By exploring a variety of careers and accomplishments, our students begin to see that history isn't made by just a few well-known individuals. It's built by countless people who chose to make a difference in their own unique ways.

Every biography offers a chance to build historical understanding while strengthening research and critical thinking skills. I hope these Black History Month activities help your middle school or high school students discover new role models, ask thoughtful questions, and leave February with a deeper appreciation for the many contributions Black Americans have made throughout history.

Save for Later

Pin this post to your favorite teaching board so you'll have these Black History Month activities ready when you're planning lessons for your middle school or high school students. With 40 influential figures to explore and a free research page, you'll have everything you need to make Black History Month meaningful and engaging.

Women's History Month Research Ideas for Middle and High School Students

Every March, I find myself looking for ways to make Women's History Month meaningful without adding another major project to an already packed schedule. Between lesson planning, grading, and everything else on our plates, it can be challenging to find time to intentionally highlight the women who have shaped our world. One of my favorite approaches is to incorporate short research activities throughout Women's History Month. Whether our students spend a few minutes learning about a new historical figure each week or complete a larger research project, exploring the lives of influential women helps our students better understand the impact women have made in history, science, literature, athletics, politics, and beyond.

Why Research Projects Work Well During Women's History Month

Research projects allow our students to move beyond simply memorizing names and dates. As our students learn about influential women, they begin to see the determination, creativity, leadership, and perseverance that helped these individuals overcome challenges and make lasting contributions to society.

Don't feel like you need to turn Women's History Month into a month-long unit. One of the easiest approaches is to introduce one woman each day or week using a short research activity. You can have your students work independently or with a partner to learn about her background, accomplishments, an important quote, and why her contributions still matter today. Then, invite a few of your students to share what they learned before moving into your regular lesson. In just a few minutes each class period, you'll expose your students to dozens of influential women from a wide variety of backgrounds and careers.

If you are looking for ideas, here are some remarkable women your students can research during Women's History Month.

Women Athletes to Research During Women's History Month

Athletes often provide our students with inspiring examples of perseverance, discipline, and determination. These women broke records, challenged expectations, and changed the world of sports.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Throughout her career, she won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and inspired countless young athletes through her talent, confidence, and dedication to excellence.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles has transformed the sport of gymnastics with her extraordinary athletic ability. She has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals while also becoming an advocate for mental health and athlete well-being.

Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm helped popularize women's soccer in the United States and inspired a generation of young athletes. Her success on the international stage helped bring greater attention and support to women's sports.

Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph overcame childhood illnesses, including polio, to become an Olympic champion. Her story of perseverance continues to inspire our students today.

Nadia Comăneci

Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci became the first gymnast in Olympic history to earn a perfect score of 10. Her performance at the 1976 Olympics changed the sport forever.

Cathy Freeman

Australian sprinter Cathy Freeman became an international symbol of athletic excellence and Indigenous pride. Her gold medal performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics remains one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history.

Political Leaders and Activists 

These women used their voices and leadership abilities to challenge injustice, influence government, and improve the lives of others.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks became a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus. Her courage helped inspire significant social change in the United States.

Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is an advocate for girls' education around the world. After surviving an attack for speaking out about educational opportunities for girls, she became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg served on the United States Supreme Court and spent much of her career advocating for equal rights. Her work helped shape important legal decisions regarding gender equality.

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She later became the first Black woman to seek a major party's nomination for president.

Corazon Aquino

Corazon Aquino became the first female president of the Philippines. Her leadership helped restore democracy following a period of political unrest.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history as Africa's first elected female head of state when she became president of Liberia. She is recognized for her leadership and efforts to rebuild her country following civil conflict.

Scientists and Innovators to Research During Women's History Month

These women changed the way we understand science, medicine, technology, and the world around us.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie pioneered research on radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson's mathematical calculations played a critical role in NASA's early space missions. Her work helped astronauts safely travel to and from space.

Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall revolutionized the study of chimpanzees through her field research in Tanzania. Her observations changed how scientists understand animal behavior.

Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel into space. Her accomplishments inspire our students interested in science and exploration.

Chien-Shiung Wu

Known as the "First Lady of Physics," Chien-Shiung Wu made groundbreaking contributions to nuclear physics. Her research challenged scientific assumptions and advanced our understanding of the physical world.

Authors and Poets 

These writers used words to tell stories, challenge perspectives, and inspire readers around the world.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an award-winning poet, author, and civil rights activist. Her writing continues to inspire readers through its themes of resilience, identity, and hope.

Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her novels explore history, culture, and the human experience.

Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros is celebrated for giving voice to diverse experiences through her writing. Her work often explores family, identity, and culture.

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman gained international recognition after reciting her poetry at a presidential inauguration. She inspires our students through her writing and advocacy.

Isabel Allende

Chilean author Isabel Allende has written bestselling novels that blend history, family stories, and powerful female characters. Her books have been translated into numerous languages.

Musicians and Performers 

Music and performance have long served as powerful forms of expression. These women have influenced culture through their talent and creativity.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is one of the most influential performers of her generation. Her music and philanthropic efforts have had an impact on culture.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is known for her music and also for her dedication to literacy and education initiatives. Her Imagination Library program has provided millions of books to children.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald helped shape the world of jazz with her voice and innovative style. She remains one of the most celebrated singers in music history.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has become one of the most successful songwriters and performers of her generation. Her career demonstrates the power of creativity, adaptability, and perseverance.

Aretha Franklin

Known as the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin's music influenced generations of artists. She also played an important role in supporting the Civil Rights Movement.

Artists to Research During Women's History Month

These women used visual arts, dance, and creativity to express ideas and challenge traditional expectations.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo is known for her distinctive self-portraits and personal artwork. Her work continues to inspire artists around the world.

Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe became one of America's most influential painters. Her unique artistic style helped redefine modern art.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland became the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Her achievements opened doors for future generations of dancers.

Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold combines storytelling and visual art through her famous story quilts. Her work often explores themes of history, identity, and social justice.

Judy Chicago

Judy Chicago is known for creating artwork that highlights women's contributions throughout history. Her projects continue to spark important conversations about representation.

Businesswomen and Entrepreneurs 

These women built successful businesses, broke barriers, and demonstrated innovative leadership.

Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker became one of the first self-made female millionaires in the United States. She built a successful business while creating opportunities for other women.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey transformed the media industry through her television career, production company, and philanthropy. 

Indra Nooyi

Indra Nooyi served as CEO of PepsiCo and became one of the most respected business leaders in the world. She is often recognized for her innovative leadership style.

Women in STEM and Technology to Research During Women's History Month

Innovation and technology have been shaped by countless women whose contributions are sometimes overlooked.

Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace is often considered the world's first computer programmer. Her ideas helped lay the foundation for modern computing.

Grace Hopper

Grace Hopper was a computer scientist. She served as a United States Navy officer who helped develop early programming languages. 

Radia Perlman

Radia Perlman developed technology that helped improve the functioning of computer networks. She is often called the "Mother of the Internet."

Fei-Fei Li

Fei-Fei Li is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and computer vision. Her work has helped advance modern AI technologies.

Reshma Saujani

Reshma Saujani founded Girls Who Code, an organization that encourages girls to pursue careers in technology. Her work has helped expand opportunities in STEM education.

Humanitarian and Social Change Leaders 

These women dedicated their lives to improving communities and addressing important global challenges.

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. She became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Her work connected environmental conservation with community empowerment.

Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta has spent decades advocating for workers' rights and social justice. Her activism helped improve conditions for agricultural workers.

Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg became an international voice for climate action while still a teenager. Her advocacy has inspired people around the world to become involved in environmental issues.

Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates is known for her philanthropic work focused on education, health, and opportunities for women and girls around the world.

Leymah Gbowee

Leymah Gbowee helped lead a women's peace movement that contributed to ending Liberia's civil war. Her leadership demonstrates the power of collective action and peaceful advocacy.

Women's History Month Spotlight Student Page

Looking for an easy way to bring these biographies into your classroom? My free Women's History Month Spotlight page will help your students research and analyze influential women while practicing critical thinking and research skills. Your students will explore biographical information, accomplishments, important quotes, and the lasting impact of each woman's contributions. This page works well for bell ringers, independent research projects, stations, early finisher activities, sub plans, or a month-long Women's History Month celebration. By guiding your students beyond simple facts and encouraging deeper reflection, the spotlight pages help your students develop a greater appreciation for the women who have shaped our world.

Bringing Women's History Month to Life in Your Classroom

Women's History Month provides an excellent opportunity to introduce our students to women whose achievements shaped history and continue to influence the world today. Whether your students are interested in athletics, science, politics, literature, technology, business, or the arts, there are countless inspiring stories waiting to be discovered.

Save for Later

Be sure to save this post to your favorite teaching or social studies Pinterest board so you'll have dozens of research ideas ready when March arrives. Having a list of influential women from a variety of backgrounds and career fields makes it easy to incorporate meaningful Women's History Month activities into your classroom all month.