It is more important than ever that 21st-century learners develop the skills they need to become savvy consumers of media. Young learners locate and identify reliable sources of information with a helpful media lesson.

Calling all archaeologists! Scholars dig through their research about overfishing, searching for the best information to include in their consumer guides. Next, pupils engage in a pair-share activity to discuss their findings with a...

Fake news. Alternative facts. Internet trolls. In an age of Newspeak, it's increasingly important to equip 21st century learners with the skills needed to determine the legitimacy of claims put forth on social media, in print, and in...

Young journalists use the E.S.C.A.P.E. (evidence, source, context, audience, purpose, and execution) strategy to evaluate historical and contemporary examples of bias in the news. The class then uses the provided discussion questions to...

Young journalists investigate the various ways to share news about a disaster and evaluate the pros and cons of each of these types of news. Individuals then select two different forms of media reports of a recent disaster. Using the...

Data is a powerful tool that your class can use for both good and evil! Help your classes become knowledgeable consumers of information through a game-based exploration. Learners examine a method of determining the reliability of a...

One of the most important skills news consumers and social media users must develop is the ability to determine the veracity of stories they read or view. Here's an interactive lesson plan that teaches high schoolers how to verify news...

Students evaluate consumer information. In this written communication lesson, students read nutrition facts from different foods and determine the foods that have the most healthful benefits.

Students identify various sources of nutritional information and evaluate accuracy of messages. They comprehend and identify misrepresentations in current food labeling. Pupils evaluate specific consumer products for truth in labeling....

A 28-slide presentation introduces viewers to the process reports go through to track and verify developing news stories. Using the reports of the attacks at Atlanta, Georgia, massage parlors as an example, viewers are taught what to...

Fifth graders explore personal health by identifying positive food choices. In this calcium sources lesson, 5th graders discuss the common ways a human can receive calcium such as consuming dairy products. Students view a virtual tour of...

Students analyze, critique, and evaluate information from various sources and learn about the design process. In this design instructional activity, students critique work submitted to People's Design Award and create a design of their...

A very well-designed lesson plan focuses on the many benefits of Omega Fatty Acids. Learners read some articles on omega fatty acids, then access a glossary that is included in the plan. They fill in terms along with their definitions....

Analyze magazines as a class, looking carefully for the target audience, advertisements, and topics presented. Small groups then work as a publication team and receive a magazine that they have to "sell." Each individual has a different...

Students research the controversy of whether or not the National Do Not Call Registry is constitutional, and then hold a class debate. Students research the National Do Not Call Registry, the FTC, the FCC, and the most current status of...

While an interesting lesson idea involving the exploration of a story about an Asian American boy named Imduk, a teacher would need to have assess to the Scott Foresman reading program to make this work. If not, a teacher could use...

Students discover the concept of media based on literature. In this War of the Worlds instructional activity, students read the novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells and listen to the 1938 radio broadcast adaptation by Orson Welles....

Students examine the difference between subjective and objective statements, newscasts, and media. They discover that subjective is opinion based and objective is fact based.

Twelfth graders complete job shadowing activities. In this career exploration instructional activity, 12th graders discuss their job interests and complete forms to participate in job shadowing activities. Students interview their job...

Ninth graders analyze media messages. For this media messages lesson, 9th graders identify techniques in television commercials that appeal to the senses and emotions. Students analyze the elements in example ads. Students keep journals...

Students identify different types of environmental organizations. They connect each organization to one of three economic sectors. They examine how each organization is different in their goals and purposes.

Third graders divide into teams and select a country to research. They read and review "Notetaking Skills" and begin their research. Next, they work together and share the information they have located. Each team fills in a template with...