This Women’s History Month, invite your students to step into the role of historian, storyteller, and researcher as they create profiles of extraordinary women in history. Our Women’s History Biography Template is designed for ages 8–14 and helps students organize key facts, explore challenges and accomplishments, and reflect on why these figures still matter today. With guided sections for important life events, obstacles overcome, and lasting impact, this ready-to-use template supports research skills, critical thinking, and strong writing.
To get started, visit our Figures in Women’s History microsite and explore a rich video library featuring trailblazing leaders, artists, scientists, and activists. Learn about Jane Goodall and her pioneering work in conservation and animal behavior, or dive into the groundbreaking research and storytelling of Zora Neale Hurston, who preserved and celebrated African American folklore and culture. Students can also discover figures who fought for women's suffrage, advanced medicine, and transformed sports. This is a great jumping off point for students to begin further research on their chosen icon.
In Marie Curie Discovers Radioactivity, Chris Packham highlights the journey of a brilliant immigrant who transformed science. From discovering radioactivity to developing pioneering cancer treatments, Marie Curie challenged conventions and inspired breakthroughs in atomic science. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Marie Curie's Incredible Contributions, host Chris Packham recounts how Curie turned personal loss and public scandal into groundbreaking medical contributions. From pioneering mobile X-ray machines during World War I to earning her place in the Panthéon, Curie’s legacy continues to save lives to this day. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Gertrude Bell, Explorer of the Middle East, host Dermot O'Leary highlights the extraordinary life of a British woman, Gertrude Bell. Bell defied societal norms to become a pioneering archaeologist, writer, and diplomat whose work shaped the modern Middle East. This video is excerpted from BBC’s BBC's Icons. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Jane Goodall's Life Among the Chimpanzees, host Dermot O'Leary explores the groundbreaking work of a young woman who transformed our understanding of animal behavior and human origins. Jane Goodall’s determination and pioneering spirit took her from a typist in Bournemouth to a world-renowned primatologist. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Tu Youyou and the Discovery of Artemisinin, host Chris Packham recounts the extraordinary journey of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. Driven by determination, she unearthed an ancient remedy to combat malaria, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Emmeline Pankhurst: The Fight for Women's Suffrage and Equality, host Sanjeev Bhaskar delves into the life and activism of Emmeline Pankhurst, a key figure in the women's suffrage movement. Learn how Pankhurst led the suffragettes in their fight for equal rights and the right to vote, resorting to militancy and hunger strikes to challenge the status quo. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Helen Keller's Legacy of Change, host Sanjeev Bhaskar takes us through the remarkable life of Helen Keller, who overcame the challenges of being both deaf and blind to become an influential advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Billie Jean King's Fight for Equality, sports journalist Clare Balding talks to Billie Jean King about her influence on equality for women in sport. King put her career on the line when she accepted an offer to play against one of the world's top male tennis players, Bobby Riggs, and won. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Voice for Disability, sports journalist Clare Balding explores how Tanni Grey-Thompson not only fought for equality in sports for people with disabilities but also in everyday life. She talks to Grey-Thompson about her achievements and goals. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Alice Paul and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage, activist Alice Paul leads marches and protests to secure women’s right to vote in the United States. Drawing inspiration from the militant suffrage movement in the UK, she organizes the National Woman’s Party, pickets the White House, and helps secure the passage of the 19th Amendment after decades of struggle.
In Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance, explore the life and work of writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, from her Alabama childhood to her studies of African American folklore and culture. Though she died in obscurity, her legacy was revived by Alice Walker, restoring her place as a key figure in literature and the Harlem Renaissance.
This Women’s History Month, invite your students to step into the role of historian, storyteller, and researcher as they create profiles of extraordinary women in history. Our Women’s History Biography Template is designed for ages 8–14 and helps students organize key facts, explore challenges and accomplishments, and reflect on why these figures still matter today. With guided sections for important life events, obstacles overcome, and lasting impact, this ready-to-use template supports research skills, critical thinking, and strong writing.
To get started, visit our Figures in Women’s History microsite and explore a rich video library featuring trailblazing leaders, artists, scientists, and activists. Learn about Jane Goodall and her pioneering work in conservation and animal behavior, or dive into the groundbreaking research and storytelling of Zora Neale Hurston, who preserved and celebrated African American folklore and culture. Students can also discover figures who fought for women's suffrage, advanced medicine, and transformed sports. This is a great jumping off point for students to begin further research on their chosen icon.
In Marie Curie Discovers Radioactivity, Chris Packham highlights the journey of a brilliant immigrant who transformed science. From discovering radioactivity to developing pioneering cancer treatments, Marie Curie challenged conventions and inspired breakthroughs in atomic science. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Marie Curie's Incredible Contributions, host Chris Packham recounts how Curie turned personal loss and public scandal into groundbreaking medical contributions. From pioneering mobile X-ray machines during World War I to earning her place in the Panthéon, Curie’s legacy continues to save lives to this day. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Gertrude Bell, Explorer of the Middle East, host Dermot O'Leary highlights the extraordinary life of a British woman, Gertrude Bell. Bell defied societal norms to become a pioneering archaeologist, writer, and diplomat whose work shaped the modern Middle East. This video is excerpted from BBC’s BBC's Icons. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Jane Goodall's Life Among the Chimpanzees, host Dermot O'Leary explores the groundbreaking work of a young woman who transformed our understanding of animal behavior and human origins. Jane Goodall’s determination and pioneering spirit took her from a typist in Bournemouth to a world-renowned primatologist. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Tu Youyou and the Discovery of Artemisinin, host Chris Packham recounts the extraordinary journey of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. Driven by determination, she unearthed an ancient remedy to combat malaria, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Emmeline Pankhurst: The Fight for Women's Suffrage and Equality, host Sanjeev Bhaskar delves into the life and activism of Emmeline Pankhurst, a key figure in the women's suffrage movement. Learn how Pankhurst led the suffragettes in their fight for equal rights and the right to vote, resorting to militancy and hunger strikes to challenge the status quo. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Helen Keller's Legacy of Change, host Sanjeev Bhaskar takes us through the remarkable life of Helen Keller, who overcame the challenges of being both deaf and blind to become an influential advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Billie Jean King's Fight for Equality, sports journalist Clare Balding talks to Billie Jean King about her influence on equality for women in sport. King put her career on the line when she accepted an offer to play against one of the world's top male tennis players, Bobby Riggs, and won. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Voice for Disability, sports journalist Clare Balding explores how Tanni Grey-Thompson not only fought for equality in sports for people with disabilities but also in everyday life. She talks to Grey-Thompson about her achievements and goals. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Alice Paul and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage, activist Alice Paul leads marches and protests to secure women’s right to vote in the United States. Drawing inspiration from the militant suffrage movement in the UK, she organizes the National Woman’s Party, pickets the White House, and helps secure the passage of the 19th Amendment after decades of struggle.
In Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance, explore the life and work of writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, from her Alabama childhood to her studies of African American folklore and culture. Though she died in obscurity, her legacy was revived by Alice Walker, restoring her place as a key figure in literature and the Harlem Renaissance.