Fake News and Critical Thinking

This page includes class materials, activity examples, and pre/post-tests for EDHE 202: Fundamentals of Active Learning. However, these may also be of use to other students interested in building information literacy skills!

Article Discussion Activity

Read each of the articles below. Then, take 5-10 minutes to evaluate their credibility, using the skills you learned from the library lecture on fake news and critical thinking. Write down your initial impressions of each (real news vs. fake news) and your reasoning. Refer to the prompts below for guidance.

Consider the following questions: What makes these stories seem real? What makes them seem fake? Are either of these articles scholarly sources? Do they provide trustworthy information? Are they useful? Would you send them to friends or family?

Think about your answers and thought processes throughout the activity. How did you come to those conclusions? Did you have some conflicting, contradictory, or indecisive answers? Why?

Article 1 - Valentine's Day

Article 2 - Vaccine Microchip

Identifying Fake News Exhibit Activities

Download worksheets using the links below to complete activities centered around the Identifying Fake News exhibit on display at the J.D. Williams Library through Spring 2022. You can find some display images for reference at the bottom of this page, or visit our digital exhibit in eGrove. 

Visit Our Fake News Exhibit!

On Display at the J.D. Williams Library through Spring 2022
2nd Floor Hall Case
Also Available on eGrove