Spotting Fake News
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can evaluate the credibility of sources to distinguish between factual reporting and fake news.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
John Spencer · 2:56
We don't generate video — this one is by John Spencer on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
The 5 C's of critical consuming can help students identify fake news; these include context, credibility, construction, corroboration, and compare.
- 2
When evaluating context, students should consider when the article was written, where it comes from, and whether any new information has emerged that could change their perspective.
- 3
To check credibility, students should determine if the source has a reputation for journalistic integrity, if the author cites credible sources, and if the source is satirical or an advertisement.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
11 questions
According to the video, what is one of the significant challenges in the digital age regarding information?
What percentage of high school students, according to the Stanford study mentioned in the video, could accurately identify a real news story when presented with a fake one?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how you would use the 5 C's of critical consuming (Context, Credibility, Construction, Corroboration, Compare) to determine if a news article about a new scientific discovery is factual or fake.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson