PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Straight to the Source: Primary and Secondary Sources
Students discover what primary and secondary sources are and how to use them in this lesson from PBS Wisconsin Education. They watch video clips from the documentary "Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Neenah-Menasha," identifying the primary...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: News and Media Literacy Collection
This collection, which includes videos, blog articles, student handouts, lesson plans, and tip sheets for families, helps students identify, analyze, and investigate the news and information they get from online sources. Media literacy...
Edutopia
Edutopia: How to Put Self Directed Learning to Work in Your Classroom
Self-directed learning is a natural pathway to deep understanding and efficacy. This article discusses the benefits of self-directed learning, the components necessary for this type of learning, and how to implement it in your school.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Holt, Rinehart and Winston: Writer's Model: News Article Example
This two-page news article includes a left-hand column with pointers on placement of critical features. Clicking on the "Writer's Guide" link in the upper right-hand corner of the page enables the user to get tips, directions, and...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Holt, Rinehart and Winston: Writer's Model: Research Report Example 1
This four-page essay provides an example of an research report. Clicking on the "Writer's Guide" link in the upper right-hand corner of the page enables the user to get tips, directions, and explanations on the essay.
Columbia University
Leaks Necessary to News Reporting
Anonymous sources are a troubling fact of life for journalists and news consumers, according to this article that quotes some of the profession's heavy hitters.
FNO Press
Fno.org: Inspired Investigations
An article at From Now On about how to help students do better research by changing the focus of research assignments and teaching students to ask essential questions. Some suggestions include using mind mapping, and using Inspiration to...
Indiana University
Indiana University: Howard Gardner
This website from the Indiana University gives an overview of Howard Gardner's life and work. Learn more about this educational reformer by reading about his work.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Access to Information and Opinion
Overview of the role the press plays in forming public opinion and therefore, government and the politcal process.
University of California
University of Cal: Critical Thinking in an Online World
This article discusses why and how to encourage the development of critical thinking skills for students conducting research on the Web. The author even presents an overview of a project that you could adapt to your class.
University of Michigan
News Bias Explored: The Art of Reading the News
Real-life examples, interactive headline and image games and brief explanations make this an attractive site for learning to recognize media bias.
University of Utah
University of Utah: History of Psychology: More on Logic
Brief overview of the definitions of 'inductive' versus 'deductive' reasoning.
University of California
Prw Newsletter: How to Write Short, Succinct Press Releases
Found in the PRW Newsletter, this article is an interview with the former Public Relations Administrator for University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Ruth Kassewitz.
Writing Fix
Writing Fix: The Wacky "Box of Rocks" Assignment
Inspired by Barry Lane's book 51 Wacky We-Search Reports, in this cross-curricular lesson plan, students learn how to summarize properly.
Cynthia J. O'Hora
Mrs. O's House: Actively Seek Out Information That Challenges Our Beliefs
Based upon a speech delivered by President Barack Obama, this activity encourages students to check out the "flip side" of issues before making up your mind.
Lumen Learning
Lumen: Boundless Communications: Credibility Appeals
In this Boundless Communication, students will learn about the importance of credibility in public speaking. There are four sections: defining credibility, types and elements of credibility, building credibility, and ethical usage....
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School: Listing Key Words
This tip sheet offers questions and examples of how to develop key words to use in your research.
Friesian School
Fresian.com: Stereotypes
This site gives an essay regarding various prejudices. Very informative and easy to understand.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Psychology Behind Irrational Decisions
Often people make decisions that are not "rational" from a purely economical point of view. Sara Garofalo explains heuristics, problem-solving approaches based on previous experience and intuition rather than analysis. [4:39]
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Pros and Cons of Public Opinion Polls
How do public opinion polls work? And, more importantly, are they accurate? Jason Robert Jaffe reveals the complexities and biases of polls and provides tips on how to think about polls as we make everyday decisions. [4:25]
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: Can Contrast and Evaluate Fact, Opinion [Pdf]
This site provides a poster that will guide students as they contrast and evaluate facts and opinions. Guiding questions and student prompts are provided.
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: I Can Classify Facts and Opinions [Pdf]
A T-Chart is provided for students to use as they classify facts and opinions. Students will explain how to determine facts and opinions after completing the T-Chart.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Test Your Brain
Investigate the effect of oxygen deprivation on brain function and test the changes in mental abilities climbers experience as they climb to ever-higher altitudes, in this virtual experiment.