Lesson from: Spot the Scam: Use Argumentative Writing to Stop Misinformation

stephanie.macsporran

Updated 6 months ago

Lesson description

Uncover the truth behind misleading social media posts! In this interactive lesson, students will critically analyze a social media post by an influencer, identify misinformation, and create compelling counter-posts using evidence. Engage your students in developing critical thinking and argumentative writing skills while navigating the digital world responsibly. Target Audience: Subject: English Language Arts Grade Level: 6th-8th Grade Estimated duration: 45 minutes Learning Outcome: Students read a set of sources and inquire to identify misinformation. They practice researching, analyzing evidence, and writing arguments to support their claims. Lesson Outline: 1. Introduction: Introduce students to a generated social media influencer and the dubious product they are promoting. 2. Activity: Students read the influencer’s social media post, identify the misinformation, and conduct research to find accurate information. 3. Writing: Students write a counter post to stop the spread of misinformation, providing evidence to support their claims. 4. AI Feedback: Students receive AI feedback in the form of a scenario based on a rubric. (How many users bought the product? How successful was their counter post?) 5. Revise/Resubmit: Students are given the opportunity to refine their writing to "repost" and have a larger impact. 6. Extension: Students create their own product to sell along with a social media post To generate your lesson: - Select your grade level - Select a product category - Select a social media outlet - Select an influencer name and age - Select the influencer's purpose Standards Covered: CCSS (Common Core State Standards): 6th Grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.8: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text. 7th Grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.8: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text. 8th Grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.8: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text. TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills): 6th Grade: 6.11(A): Develop drafts into a focused, structured, and coherent piece of writing. 6.13(B): Examine sources for reliability, credibility, and bias. 7th Grade: 7.11(A): Write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of a specific audience. 7.13(C): Use appropriate and effective organizational patterns in argumentative texts. 8th Grade: 8.11(A): Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. 8.13(D): Distinguish between fact and opinion in argumentative texts. Tags: Misinformation Argumentative Writing Social Media Literacy Critical Thinking Middle School ELA Digital Literacy Fact-Checking Persuasive Writing