Lesson 1: News Detectives 🔍

🎯 Lesson Goals

Tell the difference between facts, opinions, and bias when reading and watching news.
Use AI tools to find and check information.
Have respectful conversations with classmates.

Show a sensational headline (e.g., “Chocolate Cures All Diseases!”). Ask, “Is this true? How can we check?”

✅ Fact: Something that can be proven true (e.g. “An octopus has three hearts.”)
💭 Opinion: Someone's personal view or belief (e.g. “I think steak is the best food.”)
⚖️ Bias: When personal views shape how news is presented (e.g. “A Red Sox fan writing about a Yankees game.”)
📰 Source: Where information comes from (e.g. “An eyewitness report or an article from a news site.”)

Watch two short video clips about a theme park ride:

🎢 Suggested topic: A new roller coaster opening
- 🎥 Source 1: Official park announcement or local news coverage
- 🎥 Source 2: Independent theme park reviewer video
- Note to teachers: Select recent, age-appropriate videos from reputable sources. Links should be verified before showing to students.
While watching, students complete this analysis:
- ✅ Facts (e.g., ride statistics, opening dates)
- 💭 Opinions (e.g., excitement level, comfort)
- ⚖️ Bias (e.g., promotional vs. independent review)

Read two articles about recent developments in space exploration:

🚀 Suggested topic: A new rocket program
- 📰 Source 1: A space company's press release
- 📰 Source 2: A science journalist's analysis
- Note to teachers: Select recent, age-appropriate articles from reputable sources.
While reading, students identify:
- ✅ Facts (e.g., launch specifications, fuel type, payload capacity)
- 💭 Opinions (e.g., predictions about impact on space industry)
- ⚖️ Bias (e.g., company's financial interests vs. independent analysis)

In small groups, discuss:

Discuss why news sources vary. Highlight the importance of multiple perspectives.