Can You Spot Fake News?
Can You Spot Fake News?
Materials: Fake News Quiz (view here); How to Spot Fake News Tips (view here); paper and pencil
Instructions:
- Ask the students if they have heard the term ‘Fake News’ and ask them to define it. Why is ‘fake news’ dangerous?
- Share with the students that you will be watching a video about ways to spot fake news. After you have watched the first video, review the tips. Remind them to keep those tips in mind as you move on to the ‘fakeout’ game!
- Begin the game asking students to use the hands to show a ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ based on what they think of the story being shown.
- When the game has been completed, tell them students that you will give them 5 minutes to create the wildest ‘fake news’ headline they can. They will share with the group when they are done. Mentors create one to share, too!
A few things to share with the students when encountering news articles that are misleading/fake:
- Who made this?
- Who is the target audience?
- Who might benefit or be harmed by this message?
- What is left out of this message that might be important?
- Is this credible (and what makes you think that)?
Download activity here
Grade Range: 6-8
Time: 20-25 Minutes
Synopsis: Learning the difference between fake news and reality is tough! Take the students through these videos and have them practice the difference. Knowing the difference is vital in helping to guide a students’ knowledge and opinions of their world. ** Consider using the hand raise/thumbs up feature of your virtual platform to assist with determining who will answer **