Fact or Fiction Frenzy

HECTOR MORENO

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Fact or Fiction Frenzy

Students will learn to distinguish factual statements from fictional ones by evaluating key characteristics and applying critical thinking to engaging scenarios.

Understanding the difference between fact and fiction empowers students to critically evaluate information, improving media literacy and decision-making skills in everyday life.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, modeling, and collaborative scenario analysis.

Materials

Fact vs Fiction Scenario Cards, - Fact or Fiction Recording Worksheet, - Chart Paper, and - Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print and cut out Fact vs Fiction Scenario Cards.
Make copies of Fact or Fiction Recording Worksheet.
Place chart paper and markers where all students can see.
Review and note key distinctions between facts (verifiable) and fiction (opinion or made-up).

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Display two columns on chart paper labeled “Fact” and “Fiction.”
Ask: “What makes something a fact? What makes something fiction?”
Record student responses under each column.
Summarize: Facts are verifiable; fiction is imaginative or opinion-based.

Step 2

Modeling

5 minutes

Read aloud three mixed statements (e.g., “The Earth orbits the Sun,” “Unicorns roam the forest,” “Water boils at 100°C”).
Think aloud to decide if each is fact or fiction, citing evidence or reasoning.
Record your example under the correct column on chart paper.

Step 3

Group Activity

15 minutes

Divide class into groups of 3–4.
Give each group a set of Fact vs Fiction Scenario Cards and a Fact or Fiction Recording Worksheet.
Instruct groups to read each scenario, decide fact or fiction, and write their reasoning on the worksheet.
Rotate through at least five cards, encouraging discussion and justification for each choice.

Step 4

Debrief and Assessment

5 minutes

Invite each group to share one scenario, their classification, and reasoning.
Highlight strong examples of evidence-based thinking.
Collect worksheets to assess individual understanding.
Exit ticket: Ask students to write one new fact and one new fiction example on a sticky note and post it on the “Fact” or “Fiction” board.

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Slide Deck

Fact or Fiction Frenzy

6th Grade • 30 minutes

Distinguish factual statements from fictional ones

Welcome students to "Fact or Fiction Frenzy." Introduce the topic: distinguishing fact from fiction. Mention that today’s lesson will be interactive and collaborative.

Lesson Objectives

Identify characteristics of a fact
Identify characteristics of fiction
Apply critical thinking to decide if statements are fact or fiction
Justify reasoning with evidence

Review the objectives aloud and ensure students know what they will accomplish.

What Is a Fact?

A statement that can be proven true or false
Supported by evidence or reliable sources
Objective and measurable

Ask students: “What makes something a fact?” Guide them to the idea of verifiable evidence and objective truth.

What Is Fiction?

A statement based on imagination or opinion
Not verifiable through evidence
Often used in stories, opinions, or creative works

Ask students: “What makes something fiction?” Help them see the role of imagination and opinion.

Fact vs Fiction Chart

Draw two columns on chart paper:
• Fact
• Fiction
Ask students to contribute examples
Record their responses under each column

On chart paper, draw two columns labeled “Fact” and “Fiction.” Invite students to call out examples to place under each heading.

Modeling: Fact or Fiction?

The Earth orbits the Sun
Unicorns roam the forest
Water boils at 100°C

Read each statement aloud. Think aloud your reasoning: cite evidence for facts; point out why others are imaginative.

Group Activity

Divide into groups of 3–4
Distribute Fact vs Fiction Scenario Cards and Fact or Fiction Recording Worksheet
Read each scenario card
Decide: fact or fiction
Write your reasoning
Rotate through at least five cards

Circulate among groups. Encourage students to explain their reasoning and refer back to definitions.

Debrief & Assessment

Invite groups to share one scenario and their decision
Highlight evidence-based reasoning
Collect worksheets to assess understanding

Select 2–3 groups to share strong examples. Provide positive feedback and clarify misconceptions.

Exit Ticket

On a sticky note, write:
• One new fact
• One new fiction example
Post your notes on the “Fact” or “Fiction” board

Explain that this exit ticket helps reinforce today’s learning and gives you immediate feedback.

Worksheet

Fact or Fiction Recording Worksheet

Name: _____________________________ Date: ____________

Directions: Using your Fact vs Fiction Scenario Cards, read each scenario and decide whether it is a fact or fiction. Record your decision and explain your reasoning in the spaces provided below.