Fake News Unit - Media Literacy Analysis Unit

This Fake News Unit contains 10 high-interest lessons about media literacy, fake news and digital citizenship to help 21st-century students learn to think critically about the information they consume from print and digital media sources. This is highly relevant to today’s learners as it contains lessons on social media content and algorithms as well as artificial intelligence and deep fakes. Teachers will use these fake news scaffolded lessons starting with an interactive QR code vocabulary scavenger hunt and headline analysis then moving on to specific lessons about fake news and how to spot it. 

After the scaffolded lessons, students will love working through the eight different fake news stations about satire, websites, videos, news articles, TED talks, social media algorithms, deep fakes, and AI music in groups with their peers. The unit culminates with students creating their own fake news stories in either print or digital formats. 

Lesson Overview

• Introduction - QR Code Vocabulary Search
• Lesson 1 - What is Media Literacy?
• Lesson 2 - Media Literacy in Action: Headline Analysis
• Lesson 3 - What is Fake News?
• Lesson 4 - Social Media and Fake News
• Lesson 5 - Case Study: The War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
• Lesson 6 - How to Spot Fake News
• Lesson 7 - Fake News Stations: Spot The Fake (Satire, Websites, Videos, News Articles, Ted Talks, Social Media Algorithms, Deep Fakes)
• Lesson 8 - Digital Citizenship
• Lesson 9 - Creating Fake News Assignment

What’s Inside:

• 10 Engaging Lessons: Created specifically for middle school students, these lessons are designed to capture their attention and foster meaningful discussions.
• Detailed Teacher Lesson Plans: Teachers can seamlessly integrate each lesson into their plans.
• Interactive Content (QR Codes, Scenarios, Group Work): Lesson variety helps students stay interested and motivated.
• Group Work Stations: Foster collaboration and dialogue with group work stations that encourage peer-to-peer learning and interactive discussions.
• Vocabulary Lesson: Help meet curriculum objectives with this lesson on media vocabulary. 
• Historical Example Case Study: Students will learn about a time in history when the media created panic by not disclosing that the news story was fake. 
• MP3 Audio Files: Students can read the articles independently or use the provided MP3 audio files. 
• Answer Keys: Guide your students through each lesson with the comprehensive answer keys.
• Video Links: Enhance learning through multimedia experiences that reinforce key concepts.
• Graphic Organizers: Help students organize their thoughts and ideas visually, promoting deeper understanding and engagement with the content.
• Pre-Made Google Slideshow: Seamlessly integrate technology into your lessons with a pre-made Google Slideshow that's ready to use.
• Print & Digital Formats: Cater to your classroom's needs with both print and digital formats, ensuring accessibility and flexibility.

Teacher Feedback:

1. “This is honestly one of my favourite resources I have ever purchased. I have done this unit with grade 8 and a 6/7 class and it has been a hit! Students have loved all the opportunities to explore fake news, and to create their own fake news websites. It is honestly such a great resource and is so highly recommended.”
2. “This was a fun and engaging unit that is necessary to teach effectively in today's world!  The students enjoyed it too!!!”
3. “This is a great way to introduce a very important topic for students who regularly encounter misleading or fake news while they are online. It is a fun unit for a serious topic - lots of ways for students to make connections with the things they are seeing online in social media or hearing from other students. Helps to build critical thinking skills!”

With 10 captivating fake news lessons that include a variety of independent and group work activities, this unit ensures that your students are well-prepared to make informed decisions about the media content they consume. Grab this unit today!