Journalism Lesson: Research the Facts
Lesson Plan
3 hoursGrades9, 10, 11, 12English Language Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Written by Liz Ransom
About this lesson
In this lesson, students explore best practices for climate change journalism used by professional journalists, learn the importance of countering disinformation, and play a game to hone their skills. Students then begin research for their article about the climate crisis.
Inquire: Students analyze best practices for climate change journalism and teach each other through a collaborative presentation.
Investigate: Students play a game in which they practice critical thinking skills and learn to identify and debunk disinformation.
Inspire: Students conduct background research for their climate change article.
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Suggestions
- 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 and teachers can use the Climate Change Explainers from MIT to fact-check a wide range of climate topics and questions.
- 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.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 2 of 4 in our 9th-12th grade Climate Journalism 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
- Students who need more support can work in a group and divide the research tasks.
- CCN’s best practices are also available in Spanish: Las mejores prácticas para el periodismo climático.
- As an extension, students can explore Covering Climate Now’s annual Climate Journalism Awards, which include exemplary reporting in 16 different categories. Here are the 2024 award winners.
- Teachers can use this Unit Plan: Generative AI in ELA to further explore the role and impact of artificial intelligence in research and writing.
From the scientist review
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.
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About the teacher writer
Liz Ransom
High School Teacher
As a High School Spanish teacher and student newspaper advisor, Liz has taught for over 20 years and has served as World Languages Department Chair and K-6 summer camp activities leader. She has worked in Ohio, Maine, New Jersey, Maryland, and Chile.
