Spark curiosity and critical thinking by analyzing news articles through an engaging inquiry project that helps students understand how context shapes the news we read.
Analyzing News Articles Through a Critical Thinking Lens
The way a news event is reported can vary dramatically depending on several different contexts. These contexts shape how facts are selected, interpreted and presented. This project encourages students to investigate how different contexts (cultural, social, historical, geographical and editorial) can influence the tone, content and bias of news reporting.
To complete this media literacy project, students will compare two news articles about the same event that were written in and shaped by different contexts. They will then use the provided organizers to explore how context affects the way news is written and received. Students will then present their findings as either a slideshow or a flipbook.
Read on to learn more about how to use this analyzing news articles project with your students!
Teach How to Analyze a News Article Through Inquiry-Based Learning
The analyzing news articles project booklet contains everything your students will need to independently complete this inquiry-based project about how context influences media. (Note: You may wish to source a variety of news articles for the students to work with before commencing the project.) The contents of the booklet are as follows:
- Project Overview
- Introduction to Textual Context
- Task Description – Create a Slideshow
- Task Description – Create a Flipbook
- Text Analysis Graphic Organizers
- Flipbook Template
- Assessment Rubrics
This resource offers a flexible and engaging way to teach your students how to analyze a news article through hands-on, real-world comparisons. It builds comprehension and analytical skills and sparks thoughtful discussion about media literacy in an age-appropriate way.
Download to Start Analyzing New Articles
This analyzing news articles project downloads as an easy-print PDF or editable Google Slides file. Use the Download button to access your preferred files.
For sustainability purposes, please consider printing the project booklet double-sided.
This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.
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