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Spotting Truth in Viral Civic Claims Before You Share
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Opening question
Teacher brief
Before sharing a viral civic claim, pause to check the source, look for supporting evidence, and consider if the information fits with what trusted experts and official records say. This helps prevent the spread of misinformation and keeps public conversations honest.
Discussion prompts
Invite students to answer aloud or in writing.
- What are some signs that a civic claim might not be trustworthy?
- How can sharing inaccurate civic information affect your community?
- What steps can you take if you realize you’ve shared a false claim?
Quick activity
Suggested format: pairs or small groups.
Think of a recent civic claim you saw online. Without using any devices, list three questions you would ask to check if it’s true before sharing it. Share your questions with a partner and discuss why each question matters.
Exit ticket
Use this as a quick written response or discussion close.
What is one simple step you can take before sharing a viral civic claim to make sure it’s accurate?
Story connection
Story connection
Imagine stepping into a time machine that takes you to different moments in history where citizens faced confusing or misleading information. How might the skills you use today to check viral claims help you navigate those past challenges and keep your community informed?
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