SubjectToClimate
In this lesson, students explore best practices for climate change journalism, learn the importance of countering misinformation, and begin researching for their article about the climate crisis.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students analyze best practices for climate change journalism and teach each other through a collaborative presentation.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students play a game to practice critical thinking and misinformation debunking skills.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students conduct background research for their climate change article.
Positives
This lesson can be incorporated into an English language arts class, a journalism class, a science class, or a student newspaper club.
This lesson provides multiple opportunities for students to participate in hands-on, self-directed, and collaborative activities.
Students explore authentic resources for journalists through the Covering Climate Now website.
Students practice critical thinking and research skills that can transfer to other topics and disciplines.
Additional Prerequisites
This is lesson 2 of 4 in our 9th-12th grade The Climate Beat for Student Journalists unit.
Students should have a basic understanding of climate change.
Students will need access to the Internet and a device to complete the reading in the Inquire section, the game in the Investigate section, and the research in the Inspire section.
Differentiation
Teachers can extend the Inspire section to multiple class periods of research.
Students can turn in their research documents and responses to reflection questions as a portfolio that teachers assess for a grade. For example, the grade could be based on adhering to instructions, following best practices, and thoroughness.
Misinformation about climate change could stifle attempts to combat global warming and could distort people's perceptions and opinions about the issue. With the help of this lesson, students will be able to recognize methods for discussing climate change and reporting on it, such as spotting flawed arguments and climate misinformation as well as debunking scientific skepticism. This lesson has passed our science review process after we've gone through all the resources.