National Science Week: Scientist Biography Posters

Years

3 - 6

Pages

5

Displays, Resource

Description

Celebrate the people behind the discoveries with our National Science Week: Scientist Biography Posters! This engaging poster set introduces students to five influential scientists who changed the way we understand the world: Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei, Katherine Johnson, Charles Darwin, and Marie Curie. With clear and concise biographies, key contributions, and notes on each scientist's legacy, this resource makes science history come alive in your classroom.


Each poster highlights not only the scientist’s discoveries but also how their work continues to influence science today. This makes the set ideal for fostering rich classroom discussion and encouraging students to reflect on the connections between historical breakthroughs and current scientific understanding. These posters support both science and literacy learning by promoting curiosity, comprehension, and engagement with nonfiction texts.


Perfect for use during National Science Week or throughout the year, this resource can be used as a display, reference tool, or springboard for research tasks. Encourage students to choose a featured scientist and dig deeper into their achievements - or inspire them to research and present a scientist of their own using our complementary Biography Bunting resource.


Key Learning Outcomes:

  • ✅ Recognise the contributions of key historical figures in science
  • ✅ Understand how scientific discoveries have shaped the modern world
  • ✅ Build scientific literacy through reading and interpreting biography texts
  • ✅ Make connections between past discoveries and current scientific practice
  • ✅ Encourage reflection and discussion about the nature of scientific progress

What’s Included:

  • Five full-page posters featuring:
    • - Isaac Newton
    • - Galileo Galilei
    • - Katherine Johnson
    • - Charles Darwin
    • - Marie Curie
  • Each includes a short biography, major discoveries, and legacy highlights
  • Clean, visual layout suitable for display or small group use

Materials Needed:

  • Printed posters (in colour or black and white)
  • Display board, wall space, or folders for literacy groups
  • Optional: Biography Bunting template for student-created profiles

How to Use:

  1. Introduce each scientist as part of your National Science Week lessons or daily science warm-ups.
  2. Encourage students to read the posters and identify what each scientist is most known for.
  3. Facilitate class discussions around how these discoveries relate to current science.
  4. Use the posters to inspire students to create their own biography bunting or timeline displays.
  5. Pair with nonfiction reading strategies or research-based writing activities.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

  • 💡 Create a rotating display where one poster is featured and discussed each day
  • 💡 Use as a reference wall for science and literacy integration
  • 💡 Let students choose one scientist to research and present in more depth
  • 💡 Pair with science experiments related to the scientists' discoveries
  • 💡 Use posters as models for students to create their own mini-biographies

Top Teacher Tips:

  • 💛 Print and laminate posters for long-term use and reuse across year levels
  • 💛 Display in science corners or literacy rotations to encourage independent reading
  • 💛 Encourage students to write questions or wonderings based on each poster
  • 💛 Use the Biography Bunting to build a class display celebrating science heroes

Our Scientist Biography Posters are a powerful way to blend science, history, and literacy. They support rich discussion, deeper thinking, and an appreciation for the people behind the progress that shapes our world.


Students can use this resource as a reading activity, discussion starter or build their own scientist biography using our Biography Bunting.


Be sure to check out our other amazing National Science Week resources!

Additional information

Number of Pages

5

File Format

pdf

Australian Curriculum Code

AC9S5H01, AC9S5H02, AC9S6H01

Australian Curriculum V9

F - 6

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