Introduction
Subject Area: English / Media and Information Literacy
Grade Level: Grade 8
Learning Objective: At the end of the activity, students will be able to evaluate online information, distinguish facts from opinions, identify signs of unreliable information, and explain how to check whether a source is trustworthy.
Introduction: Imagine seeing a post on social media claiming that drinking a certain juice can cure any illness. Many people have shared it, and some even believe it. But how do you know if the information is true?
We see different kinds of information online every day. Some are helpful and accurate, while others can be misleading or completely false. As students, we need to learn how to think critically before believing or sharing what we read.
In this WebQuest, you will become an online information investigator. You will explore different websites, examine information, and learn how to decide whether a source can be trusted. Are you ready to investigate?
Task
Your task is to become an online information investigator. You will work with a small group to examine online information and determine whether the sources are reliable.
At the end of the activity, your group will create a digital poster or infographic entitled "Think Before You Share!" It should contain at least five tips for checking the reliability of online information. Include examples of warning signs, such as missing sources, misleading headlines, and claims that cannot be verified.
You will present your work to the class and explain why checking information is important before sharing it with others.
Process
Follow these steps to complete your WebQuest.
Step 1: Explore the topic.
Read the online resources provided below. Take note of the signs that can help you determine whether a website or online claim is reliable.
Step 2: Investigate a claim.
With your group, examine a sample online claim provided by your teacher. Discuss these questions:
- Who published the information?
- Is the author or organization identified?
- Does the post provide evidence or link to reliable sources?
- Can the information be confirmed by other trustworthy sources?
- Does the headline seem designed to make people angry or afraid?
Step 3: Compare your findings.
Discuss your answers with your group. Decide which signs make the information more or less trustworthy. Remember that a professional-looking website or a large number of shares does not automatically make information accurate.
Step 4: Create your infographic.
Prepare a digital poster or infographic titled "Think Before You Share!" Include at least five practical tips for checking online information. Use clear explanations, examples, and appropriate visuals.
Step 5: Present your work.
Present your infographic to the class. Explain the tips you included and how students can apply them when using the internet.
Step 6: Reflect.
After the presentation, write a short paragraph answering this question: "How can I become more responsible when reading and sharing information online?"
RESOURCES:
1. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Learn how to evaluate sources and assess the credibility of information.
2. FactCheck.org
Explore examples of fact-checking and see how claims can be checked against evidence.
3. MediaWise by Poynter
Find media literacy resources that help people evaluate information they encounter online.
Evaluation
Use this rubric to assess the students' final output.
Total: 100 points
| Criteria | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of information | 30 | Tips are correct and show an understanding of reliable sources. |
| Completeness | 25 | Includes at least five useful tips and relevant examples. |
| Creativity and organization | 20 | The infographic is clear, attractive, and easy to follow. |
| Group presentation | 15 | Members explain their findings clearly. |
| Reflection | 10 | The student gives a meaningful personal reflection. |
| Total | 100 |
Grading Scale
- 90–100: Excellent
- 80–89: Very Good
- 70–79: Satisfactory
- 60–69: Needs Improvement
- Below 60: Needs Further Guidance
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed your work as an online information investigator. Through this activity, you learned that not everything you see on the internet is automatically true. Checking the source, looking for supporting evidence, and comparing information with other reliable sources can help you make better decisions.
As students and internet users, we all have a responsibility to think carefully before sharing information. Remember that a single post can influence what other people believe. Always think before you share!