Lesson 3: Bias, Point of View, and the Echo Chamber
Duration of Days: 1
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to identify media bias and point of view by comparing how two different sources report on the same current event.
What is "bias," and is it always negative?
How do algorithms create "echo chambers" that limit our perspective?
CT SS Inq 9–12.3: Gather and evaluate various types of sources.
MBL SS Standard 6A: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source.
Warm-up: Analyze the "AllSides" Media Bias Chart.
Comparative Analysis: Students look at two articles/videos about a single headline (e.g., a recent economic report) and identify differences in word choice and framing.
Discussion: How does "change over time" in media influence public opinion?
Purpose: To prepare students for the Day 3 cycle of the thematic units (presentation and discussion).
DOK Level: 3 (Strategic Thinking)
Color-coded text to highlight "loaded" words; small-group "Think-Pair-Share" before whole-class discussion.
Bias Analysis Worksheet comparing two sources.