Lesson 5: Constructing Reality Through Media
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to synthesize how media collectively shapes public understanding of global issues and civic behavior.
How does media shape public reality?
What responsibilities do media consumers have?
How should disagreement function in a democratic society?
Narrative
Public perception
Media literacy
Civic responsibility
D1.INQ.9.9–12 – Construct arguments using multiple sources of evidence
D2.CIV.10.9–12 – Analyze the impact of civic engagement on democratic systems
D2.HIS.14.9–12 – Analyze multiple perspectives to understand complex issues
Claim-evidence-reasoning
Source synthesis and argumentation
Students synthesize unit concepts through analysis and reflection in the Media Reality Portfolio.
DOK Level: 4
Connections to voting, activism, and public discourse
Discussion of responsibility in sharing information
“Media controls everything”
“Individuals have no influence”
Choice in media samples
Multiple synthesis formats
Guided reflection prompts
Completed Media Reality Portfolio
Final reflective writing
Student-selected media
Portfolio templates
Discussion protocols