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Unveiling the Tree Octopus Hoax

Roxanne Campbell

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Unveiling the Tree Octopus Hoax

Evaluate online information critically

In this lesson, students will explore the 'Tree Octopus' hoax as a case study to understand internet hoaxes and develop digital literacy skills. They will learn to critically evaluate online information and recognize the importance of credible sources. This lesson is crucial in helping students navigate the vast amount of information available online and become discerning consumers of digital content.

Audience

8th Grade Media Literacy

Time

1 hour

Approach

Evaluate online information critically

Materials

Discussion Guide, and Worksheet: Evaluating Sources

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about internet hoaxes.
  • Introduce the 'Tree Octopus' as a case study.
  • Explain the importance of evaluating online information critically.

Step 2

Group Activity

20 mins

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a copy of the 'Tree Octopus' website.
  • Ask them to identify clues that suggest the information might be a hoax.

Step 3

Class Discussion

15 mins

  • Reconvene as a class and discuss findings from the group activity.
  • Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate conversation about credible sources and digital literacy.

Step 4

Reflection Exercise

10 mins

  • Distribute the 'Evaluating Sources' worksheet.
  • Have students individually reflect on what they learned about evaluating online information.
  • Encourage them to think about how they can apply these skills in their daily internet use.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Summarize key points from the lesson.
  • Emphasize the importance of questioning and verifying online information.
  • Invite students to share one new thing they learned today.
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Discussion

Discussion Guide: Tree Octopus

This guide will help facilitate a class discussion on the 'Tree Octopus' hoax, focusing on identifying credible sources and understanding digital literacy.

What are some clues that the 'Tree Octopus' might be a hoax?

Look for inconsistencies in the information, lack of credible sources, and unusual claims.







Why is it important to evaluate the credibility of online sources?

Discuss the impact of misinformation and the importance of making informed decisions.







How can we apply these skills to other areas of online research?

Encourage students to think about other scenarios where they might need to verify information.







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Worksheet

Worksheet: Evaluating Sources

This worksheet will guide students in reflecting on the skills needed to evaluate online information critically.

List three clues that suggest the 'Tree Octopus' is a hoax.

Consider the website's design, language used, and source credibility.







Why is it important to verify information before sharing it online?

Think about the consequences of spreading misinformation.







Describe a strategy you can use to check the credibility of a source.

Consider cross-referencing with other credible sources or checking the author's credentials.







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