Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.
Provided by: OER Project |Published on: July 18, 2025
Lesson Plans
789101112
Synopsis
In this module from the OER Project: Climate, students will understand why climate change remains a topic people debate about, addressing misinformation, myths, and the reliability of sources.
Students will practice evaluating sources based on various methods and discuss why critically evaluating claims is important.
This is one of many lessons in the online Climate course by OER Project.
The article in this module does an excellent job of explaining the multi-dimensional reasons behind climate disagreement.
Understanding how to evaluate claims and the author's authority to make them is a critical media literacy skill that students can carry with them outside of the classroom.
Prerequisites
To access the teacher guide, teachers will need to create an account. However, this module can also be implemented without one.
Students should understand climate change, its causes, and its impacts.
Differentiation & Implementation
Teachers with large research and writing components in their classes can use the Claims Testing resources as an established method for evaluating claims throughout the year.
Language arts teachers can use this module to build towards refuting counterclaims throughout a persuasive or argumentative piece of writing.
After practicing claims testing with the provided resources, students can bring in their own pieces of media to test the claims with the procedure they have learned.
It may benefit English language learners and other students to have the vocabulary terms listed in the Teacher's Guide introduced to them ahead of time.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
OER Project
OER Project equips teachers with free, innovative curricula and teaching tools that spark curiosity and inspire critical thinking in students. Our courses place student inquiry at the center of learning, and are designed to be adaptable across age levels and state standards.
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.