AI Hallucination Examples Worksheet

Instructions

In pairs, review each AI-generated response below. Use a highlighter or underline tool to mark any statements that seem questionable or false. Then, answer the questions under each example about why you think these statements might be inaccurate and how you would verify them.

Example 1: Space Exploration Claim

AI Response Example 1:

"In 1978, NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft detected microbial life beneath the ice crust of Jupiter’s moon Europa. The microbes were confirmed through spectroscopic analysis of the moon’s surface during a flyby. This discovery led to the immediate planning of a manned mission to Europa in 1982."

1. Which statement(s) do you think might be inaccurate or fabricated? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What question(s) would you ask or what source(s) would you consult to verify the highlighted statement(s)?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Example 2: Historical Speech Excerpt

AI Response Example 2:

"In his farewell address delivered on July 4, 1960, President John F. Kennedy famously declared, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your space program.’ This speech was broadcast live from the White House East Room."

1. Identify any parts of this excerpt that seem dubious or incorrect. Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Describe a quick fact-check strategy (e.g., keywords, reputable archives) you would use to confirm the actual date or wording of this speech.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Example 3: Academic Research Report

AI Response Example 3:

"A 2021 study conducted by the University of Mars found that volcanic activity in 512 AD directly caused the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Lead researcher Dr. Elena Solaris published the findings in the Journal of Ancient Geoscience."

1. Which details here raise red flags about accuracy? List them and explain why they seem questionable.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Outline two credible research or reference sources (e.g., academic databases, expert publications) you would check to validate or refute this claim.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection Question

1. Of the three examples above, which contained the clearest AI hallucination? Briefly explain your choice and suggest one concrete step you will take to avoid being misled by similar errors in the future.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Fact-Checking Techniques Handout

Use this handout to guide your verification of any AI-generated statement. Refer back to your highlighted item on the AI Hallucination Examples Worksheet. Document each step clearly.

I. Technique Overviews & Notes

1. Evaluate Source Credibility
   • Check the domain (e.g., .edu, .gov, reputable news outlet)
   • Identify the author and their qualifications
   • Look for publication date and possible biasesNotes:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Cross-Reference Multiple Sources
   • Find at least two other reputable sources covering the same fact
   • Compare details: dates, numbers, names
   • Note any discrepancies or agreementsNotes:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Use Fact-Checking Organizations
   • Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact
   • Search for keywords from your statement plus the site name
   • Review their methodology and verdictNotes:
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Seek Primary or Original Documents
   • Academic papers, government reports, historical archives
   • Verify quotes or data against the original sourceNotes:
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Document Your Verification Steps
   • Record URLs, author names, publication dates
   • Note search keywords and date accessedNotes:
   
   
   
   
   
   

II. Fact-Checking Practice

Choose one questionable statement you highlighted. Complete the sections below to verify or refute it.

1. Statement Under Review:
   "> ________________________________________________________________"Your Restatement of the Claim:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Source Credibility Check
   a. Source Name/URL: _________________________________
   Notes on Credibility:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Cross-Reference Findings
   Source A (Name/URL & Key Detail):
   
   
   Source B (Name/URL & Key Detail):
   
   
   Source C (Name/URL & Key Detail):
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Fact-Checking Organization Consultation
   Organization Name: _________________________________
   Verdict or Notes:
   
   
   
   
5. Verification Summary & Conclusion
   • Is the statement accurate, partially accurate, or false?
   • Brief justification based on your researchSummary:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Use this completed handout as evidence of your fact-checking process. You may be asked to share key findings during our class discussion.

Warm-Up: AI Trust Scale

Instructions

Read each statement below and circle the number that best represents your level of agreement or trust. Use the scale:

1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Neutral 4 = Agree 5 = Strongly Agree

1. AI-generated information is always reliable.
   1 2 3 4 5
2. I feel confident fact-checking AI outputs when I suspect errors.
   1 2 3 4 5
3. I know effective strategies to verify information provided by AI tools.
   1 2 3 4 5

Quick Reflection

Choose one of the statements above and explain why you gave it the rating you did.

Turn & Talk (1 minute)

With a partner, share your reflection. Discuss:

• Which statement was easiest to rate and why?
• Which statement was hardest to rate and why?

After your discussion, we’ll review as a class and set today’s focus on verifying AI-generated information.

Exit Ticket

Instructions

1. Name one AI use case you’ll try next:
   
   
   
   
2. List three steps you will take to fact-check AI-generated information:
   1. _______________________________
      
      
   2. _______________________________
      
      
   3. _______________________________
      
      

Thank you for sharing your plans! Your responses will help guide our next lesson.