Discover Paralympic Athletes

Explore the amazing achievements of Paralympic athletes with this comprehensive inquiry-based research project perfect for upper elementary students!

The Scenario

The Summer Paralympic Games is approaching. To celebrate, your school is holding a Wax Museum event to celebrate the achievements of Paralympic athletes. You have been asked to present a speech about a Paralympian of your choice. You must also create a visual aid (flipbook or digital notebook) that explains why your chosen Paralympian is such an inspiration to others.

The Task

Choose a Paralympic athlete. Research their life and achievements using credible online sources. Write a speech about this Paralympic athlete to be presented at the Wax Museum event. Create either a flipbook or digital notebook to accompany your speech.

Project Components

There are three separate components to this project which can all be downloaded in your preferred file format. These are:

1. Project Booklet – This can be downloaded as an editable Google Slides file or an easy-print PDF document.
2. Inspiring Paralympian Flipbook – This can be downloaded as an editable Google Slides file or an easy-print PDF.
3. Digital Notebook – This can be downloaded as an editable Google Slides file.

Easily Implement This Paralympics Project

The project booklet download contains everything your students will need to independently complete this inquiry-based project about Paralympic athletes. (Note: It is recommended that you direct your students to credible, age-appropriate websites to assist them in compiling their research.) The contents of the booklet are as follows:

1. Project Overview – This page provides students with a detailed explanation of the project. It contains:
   • Scenario Overview
   • Task Outline
   • Guiding Questions
   • Process Walk-Through
2. Research Graphic Organizer – This page enables students to record research about their chosen Paralympian in a clear and organized manner.
3. Speech Planning Sheet – This page will assist students in planning and writing a speech about the life and achievements of their chosen Paralympian.
4. Sources List – This page allows students to list the sources they have used to inform their speech.
5. Assessment Rubric – A sample assessment rubric has been provided should teachers wish to assess students’ work according to a given set of criteria.

This project has been designed to seamlessly integrate with the elementary school curriculum. Why not use the Paralympic athlete speeches to formally assess your students’ oral presentation skills?

Download to Celebrate Paralympic Athletes!

Use the Download button to access your preferred files. Don’t forget, you will need to download the project booklet, flipbook and digital notebook.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing the project booklet double-sided.

This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Projects for Exploring the Paralympic Games

If you’re interested in exploring further project-based resources to celebrate the global event that is the Paralympic Games, you’ve come to the right place! Click below to view more inquiry projects focused on the Paralympic Games and its athletes.

teaching resource

Introduction to the Paralympic Games – Inquiry-Based Project

Introduce your students to the key components of the Paralympic Games with this inquiry-based learning project.

teaching resource

Design a Paralympic Mascot – Inquiry-Based Project

Have your students design a new mascot for the national Paralympic Team with this inquiry-based learning project.

teaching resource

Design a Paralympic Logo – Inquiry-Based Project

Have your students design a new logo for their country’s Paralympic Team with this inquiry-based learning project.