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- Sometimes news is labeled as "fake" because the reader dislikes it or it contradicts their beliefs. However, fake news is when the news information as well as the news organization itself may intentionally be completely fabricated.
- Educators and media literacy advocates are working in the classroom to help students discern fact from fiction in news sources.
- Democratic State Senator Marko Liias of Washington state has developed bipartisan legislation to encourage media literacy programs in schools. His work is being used as a model in about a dozen other state legislatures.
- Essential question : Why is journalism important in a democracy?
- How can an inaccurate news story influence voters' choice of candidate?
- Do you believe that the proliferation of fabricated news influenced the outcome of the 2016 presidential election? Explain your answer.
- What has been your experience with fake news stories? How did you encounter them and how did you react?
- What are some strategies we can use to tell the difference between fake news and truthful reporting?
Extension Activity: Be sure to check out PBS NewsHour Extra's lesson plan about how to teach students about fake news.
