Introduction
Have you ever scrolled through your social media feed and wondered if a viral story was actually true? In today’s digital world, information spreads fast—but so do rumors, hoaxes, and fake news!
Welcome, Digital Detectives! Your mission today is to step into the shoes of professional fact-checkers. You will investigate online articles, uncover the truth, and learn how to protect your friends and family from being fooled by false information. Are you ready to crack the case?
Task
Your main task is to work in a team of three to analyze a real online news article and determine if it is "Real News" or "Fake News."
To prove your findings, your team will create a simple "Fact-Check Report Card" (using a template or digital document) that scores the article based on its source, evidence, and author. Finally, you will share your verdict with the class.
Process
Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your investigation:
Form Your Team: Form a group of 3 members. Assign roles:
The Source Inspector (checks the website and author)
The Evidence Investigator (checks dates, photos, and links)
The Fact-Check Reporter (writes down the team's final decision)
Pick an Article: Choose one of the links provided in the Resources section to investigate.
Investigate: Use the "3-Step Fact-Check Rule":
Who wrote it? (Is the website reliable?)
What is missing? (Are the photos fake or outdated? Is the headline just clickbait?)
What do other sources say? (Are trusted news networks reporting the same thing?)
Fill Out the Report Card: Write down your scores and reasons for your verdict.
Submit: Copy the link to your finished report card and submit it here.
Evaluation
Use these trusted websites and tools to help you fact-check your assigned articles:
Fact-Checking Websites:
FactCheck.org (https://www.factcheck.org)
Snopes (https://www.snopes.com)
Tips on Spotting Fake News:
How to Spot Fake News - FactCheck.org Guide
BBC WebWise: Real or Fake News Guide
Your work will be graded based on this simple rubric:
Conclusion
Great job, Digital Detectives! You have successfully completed your mission.
By learning how to spot fake news, you didn't just pass this assignment—you also gained a vital real-world skill. From now on, remember to always think twice before you click "Share" or "Like." Keep questioning what you see online, look for the evidence, and stay smart on the internet!