7.7 – Think and Apply Activity 2
Before beginning this activity, review this brief summary of the reading text for Module 7: Civic Participation and Power of the People.
Governments are responsible for making laws, protecting citizens, and using taxes to provide services like education and healthcare. In return, people must follow laws, pay taxes, serve on juries, and may be required to serve in the military. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed, vote, and participate in civic activities like volunteering or running for office. Political parties help shape government policies. Democrats and Republicans hold different views on social and economic issues. Civic engagement and free speech allow people to influence change and promote fairness and progress in society.
News Media Credibility Activity
Remember the U.S. Constitution, which establishes a plan for our government, begins with the words “We the People of the United States…” Who are ‘the people’?
How does this idea connect to the cartoon drawing below? Discuss as a class.
Discuss these two questions as a class:
- Who and what is/are “the media?”
- What are the roles and responsibilities of the media?
News Story Listening Activity
Have you heard the term “fake news”–what does that term mean?
With so much information online and in print, it’s very important to evaluate the strength and weakness of all of the information that is constantly coming at us. We need to look at who is telling us the story, and why. Information can be truthful, factual and fair, or it can be reported as “fake news,” false information, misinformation on purpose, or can have unsupported opinions.
Since we are all consumers of information, let’s talk about how to decide if news stories are believable or not; and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the information presented.
Listen as your teacher reads two stories on the same topic. As you listen, start thinking about which one is stronger and more believable.
Now, read both stories on the Credible News Story Activity handout. Work as a whole class to complete the ”yes/no” chart, determining the more credible/reliable story. Vote on which story the class thinks is more credible and review the evidence. Complete the sentence frame, in writing, or in discussion, with a partner.
