The third and final lesson in the Reporting series tests young journalists' ability to be objective in reporting contentious topics. After brainstorming a list of contentious topics that interest them, the class selects one, and individuals draft fair, engaging, and informative articles. Pairs then share and peer review the stories for fairness and publish their revised articles.

Concepts

news reporting, objectivity, journalism, investigative journalism, journalism ethics, controversial topics, bias, media bias, fairness

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Enlarge, print in color, and display the "Is it Fair?" and the "Am I Being Fair?" posters

Classroom Considerations

• The final lesson in the three-part Reporting series
• Class members require access to a computer with internet and a desktop publishing app

Pros

• The "Is it Fair?" poster provides key factors to measure how straight or slanted a story is

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.W.2 CCRA.W.6 CCRA.W.7 CCRA.W.8