Activity
Students will analyze statements related to media, politics, and science to distinguish between facts and opinions.
This exercise will help them recognize how misinformation often blurs these distinctions and develop skills for identifying credible information.
Pre-requisites
Basic understanding of statements and sentences.
Explanation of activity
Objective:
Students will analyze statements to differentiate between facts and opinions, focusing on how misinformation often blurs the line between the two. This will help develop critical thinking skills essential for combating disinformation.
Instructions:
Below are statements related to news, social media, and scientific findings. Identify whether each is a fact or an opinion and explain your reasoning.
Set 1: General Knowledge and Media
- Climate change is caused by human activities.
- The news media cannot be trusted.
- Social media platforms spread false information faster than newspapers.
- The COVID-19 vaccine contains a tracking microchip.
Set 2: Political and Social Issues
- Voter fraud changed the results of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
- Democracy is the best form of government.
- The Earth is round.
- The government should regulate social media to prevent fake news.
Set 3: Science and Health
- Drinking water helps maintain good health.
- Some people believe herbal remedies are more effective than modern medicine.
- The moon landing was faked.
- Scientific studies have shown that wearing masks reduces the spread of airborne diseases.
Discussion Questions:
- How does disinformation often mix facts with opinions to mislead people?
- What strategies can we use to verify the credibility of statements we see online?
- Why is distinguishing between facts and opinions essential in higher education?
Teacher materials
- List of statements, discussion questions, answer key.
Relevant Reading to Understand the Materials:
Classroom Activity: Is it “checkable”?
The News Literacy Project provides a classroom activity that encourages students to determine whether statements are verifiable. This exercise enhances critical thinking and helps students understand the characteristics that separate facts from opinions. https://newslit.org/educators/resources/classroom-activity-is-it-checkable
Further Reading to Develop the Activity/Understanding of the Topic:
Ecker, U.K.H., Lewandowsky, S., Cook, J. et al. The psychological drivers of misinformation belief and its resistance to correction. Nat Rev Psychol 1, 13–29 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-021-00006-y
Student Materials
Worksheet:
HOMEWORK
Objective:
Students will apply the Facts vs. Opinions Criteria Template to analyze a news article, social media post, or blog entry. The goal is to distinguish between factual statements and opinions while evaluating the credibility of the source.
Instructions:
- Select a Source:
- Choose a news article, social media post, or opinion piece related to current events.
- Provide the title, author, publication name, and link (if available).
- Identify Statements:
- Extract four statements from the source.
- For each statement, determine whether it is a fact or an opinion based on the criteria.
- Apply the Criteria:
- Use the Facts vs. Opinions Criteria Template to justify your classification.
- Explain your reasoning for each statement by addressing the following:
- Verifiability: Can it be proven true or false?
- Objective Evidence: Is it supported by reliable sources?
- Language & Bias: Does it use emotional or persuasive language?
- Perspective & Subjectivity: Does it express personal beliefs or judgments?
- Write a Reflection (150-200 words):
- Summarize what you learned from this activity.
- Discuss how misinformation can blur the line between facts and opinions.
- Explain why critical thinking is essential in higher education.
Submission Guidelines:
- Format: Typed, 12pt font, double-spaced.
- Due Date: [Insert Date]
- Submission Method: Upload to [LMS/Email/Google Classroom].
Analysis of Student Understanding
Assessing and Evaluation
Success is measured by:
- the correct classification of statements
- the ability to justify answers with critical reasoning
- the homework submitted
Modulations
- Adjust complexity by using simpler or more advanced statements.
- Use discipline related statements
