This unit explores the various ways information and ideas about climate change are presented through a variety of media. This includes the evaluation of social media posts, research into climate change issues, and an exploration of contemporary art and artists. This was designed and taught in an honors 9th grade English Language Arts Classroom by Dr. Tavia Quaid in response to student interest in climate change and to reinforce key information literacy skills.

Infographics and charts can be useful tools in helping us understand complex information and data, but they can also be used to deceive. Students need to move beyond surface-level evaluations and think critically about what is presented and who is presenting it. In this assessment, students are asked to examine two digital graphics and determine which provides better evidence. In order to answer successfully, students must evaluate the source of each graphic.

When evidence takes the form of statistics, infographics, or other data presentations, it can be particularly tempting to accept it without fully evaluating whether it is reliable and relevant to the claims being made. This lesson builds on the “Intro to What is the evidence?” lesson and offers students specific practice in evaluating the relevance and reliability of data evidence.

This lesson gives students a chance to practice evaluating varied forms of data as evidence. Students discuss why data and infographics can be particularly tricky to evaluate, and then work in groups to evaluate several examples of online evidence.

Students will create an inquiry based mini lab given materials in the area of plant science. Students will work together to design protocols, collect data, and analyze results. Lesson 2 out of 4

Students will use the U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts data access tool to examine information about three cities, including population, education, and income data. Students will draw conclusions about life in those three cities to determine which city they would like to live in as an adult.