21st Century How-To Guides: How to Create an Infographic

21st Century How-To Guides: How to Create an Infographic | Visual Communication Tutorial | Grades 6–10

Help students transform information into clear, engaging visuals with this hands-on, project-based lesson on infographic design. Students learn that effective infographics are more than attractive graphics—they are carefully planned visual communications that organize information, present data honestly, and guide readers toward a clear understanding.

Students investigate the principles of visual hierarchy, layout, chart selection, typography, color, and data visualization before creating a Visual Communication Tutorial that teaches others how to design effective infographics. They also practice identifying poor design choices and rebuilding cluttered visuals into clear, informative graphics.

A dedicated Canva Quick Start Guide helps students confidently begin creating professional-looking infographics using one of today's most popular design tools.

What's Included
- Teacher directions (2–3 class periods)
- Student research overview
- Mini research activity
- Collaborative Visual Communication Tutorial project
- Online resource list
- 4 student planning and reflection worksheets
- Canva Quick Start Guide
- Full-color version
- Black-and-white version
- Print-ready PDF

Students Will Learn How To
- Identify the characteristics of an effective infographic
- Create a clear, single-message visual communication
- Apply visual hierarchy and reading-path principles
- Select appropriate charts for different types of data
- Recognize misleading or dishonest data visualizations
- Use color, typography, icons, and white space effectively
- Plan and create an infographic using Canva
- Evaluate and improve visual communication through reflection

Perfect For
- Digital Literacy
- Technology Classes
- Media Literacy
- Graphic Design Basics
- English Language Arts
- Science Projects
- Social Studies Research
- Career & Technical Education (CTE)
- Library & Media Center Activities
- Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Part of the 21st Century How-To Guides Series
Help students build practical, future-ready skills through engaging, project-based activities designed for today's learners.

Why Teachers Love It
- No-prep, ready-to-use lesson
- Teaches real-world visual communication skills
- Includes a beginner-friendly Canva Quick Start Guide
- Reinforces research, organization, and design thinking
- Develops critical evaluation of charts and data displays
- Flexible for individual, partner, or group work
- Easily integrates across multiple subject areas
Give students the confidence to communicate ideas visually by teaching them how to organize information, present data honestly, and create infographics that are clear, accurate, and impactful.