Lesson Plans
Does the Camera Ever Lie?
Students do a close reading of an historical newspaper article to analyze the evidence presented as evidence of its argument. After, students search for contemporary examples of how cameras can lie and consider what that means for consumers of visual media.
Identifying Bias in Presidential Election Newspaper Coverage
Students analyze historical primary sources to identify bias and investigate the role newspapers played in shaping public attitude toward the 1912 presidential candidates. Next, students team up to find newspaper coverage (print or digital) of a contemporary presidential election, analyze the sources for bias, and then compare and contrast their historical and contemporary findings. Finally, students communicate their newfound understandings of presidential election newspaper coverage bias through a short written essay, a digital timeline, or a print or digital poster.
News, Perspective, Bias – Beginning
Through the lens of the Three Little Pigs and the Boston Massacre, students think critically about how perceptions of events are shaped by the storyteller, then consider the importance of taking multiple perspectives into account when reviewing stories and drawing conclusions about events.
News, Perspective, Bias – Intermediate
Through the lens of the Boston Massacre, students think critically about presenter bias and how it can influence public perception. Next, they compare and contrast headlines presented by different news outlets and reflect on the importance of recognizing bias and taking multiple perspectives into account when reviewing stories and drawing conclusions about events.
News, Perspective, Bias – Advanced
Through the lens of the Boston Massacre, students think critically about presenter bias and confirmation bias to understand how they can influence public perception. Next, they compare and contrast contemporary news stories presented by different outlets and reflect on the importance of recognizing bias and taking multiple perspectives into account when reviewing stories and drawing conclusions about events.