Expected Reach
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Teachers
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And once hosted on the Center website, the free lesson plans and educator resources will continue to reach thousands more students, and their teachers, across the country.
Project Community: Engaging All Students in Media Literacy and Public Policy
To empower elementary and middle school students for effective and responsible civic engagement, the Center for Civic Education and its partners developed a new set of lessons and teacher resources that integrate media literacy with hands-on engagement in public policy.
These 8 new lessons address challenges to accessing and analyzing reliable information in today’s media environment. Students will analyze media sources, organize policy information, and use media to responsibly inform others about policy issues.
The new materials are integrated with the Project Citizen curricular program that engages young people in collaboratively proposing solutions to policy problems in their communities. Below is an outline of the media literacy lessons and how they align to the newest edition of Project Citizen: Community Engagement in Public Policy, Level 2.
Chapter | Project Citizen Topics | Media Literacy Moments |
|---|---|---|
1 | Do I Have the Power to Create Change in My Community? | • Does a Free Press Support Democracy? |
2 | Do We Need Public Policy? | |
3 | How Does Project Citizen Empower My Engagement in Public Policy? | • Do I Have a Role in Media Literacy? |
Step 1: Identifying Problems to Be Dealt With by Public Policy | ||
Step 2: Selecting a Problem or Problems for Your Class to Study | ||
Step 3: Gathering Information on the Problem You Will Study | • Is All Media Biased? • Can I Identify Reliable Media Sources? • Do I Play a Role in Staying Safe Online? • Do I Have to Cite My Sources? | |
Step 4: Developing a Portfolio to Present Your Research | • Can I Effectively Create and Share Information? | |
Step 5: Presenting Your Portfolio in a Simulated Public Hearing | ||
Step 6: Reflecting on Your Experience | • Am I Media Literate? | |
4 | Why Is My Participation Important to Democracy? |
Each one of these media literacy lessons is also associated with a short, animated video to engage students thinking about the lesson’s compelling question. These videos are free and open for use. Please explore each of them below.
Does a Free Press Support Democracy?
▶ Read More About this Video
A free press is like a watchdog for democracy. Media can ensure people know what is happening and help them make good decisions. This video explores the relationship between a free press and the functioning of a democratic society.
Do I Have a Role in Media Literacy?
▶ Read More About this Video
Everyone has a role to play in using and sharing media responsibly. This video explores how to contribute to media literacy by encouraging responsible media consumption and production.
Is All Media Biased?
▶ Read More About this Video
Media can have different perspectives that influence how events or topics are seen or understood. It is important to recognize bias when consuming and producing media. This video explores how bias and perspective can shape the media.
Can I Identify Reliable Media Sources?
▶ Read More About this Video
Recognizing trustworthy media sources is important for understanding the world. Using the ESCAPE framework, this video discusses how to spot reliable sources and understand the impact of bias. This video explores media bias and strategies to combat misinformation.
Do I Play a Role in Staying Safe Online?
▶ Read More About this Video
Understanding online safety is important to everyone. This video examines the role individuals have in maintaining online safety and managing risks responsibly by exploring various online risks.
Do I Have to Cite My Sources?
▶ Read More About this Video
Giving credit to where credit is due is always important, especially online. This video explores why people cite their sources and shares important tips for when you should use a citation.
Can I Effectively Create and Share Information?
▶ Read More About this Video
Creating and sharing media requires an understanding that everyone can be a media producer. Being a responsible digital citizen also requires skills in how to engage with an audience. This video covers the importance of using facts, specific steps for connecting to an audience.
Am I Media Literate?
▶ Read More About this Video
Understanding and practicing media literacy is important for using media effectively. This video encourages reflection on current media literacy skills and explores the tools available in one’s media toolbox.
This series was made possible by the generous support of the American History and Civics–National Activities Grant.
Our state partners in California and Hawaii are currently piloting the Project Community materials listed above with 20 teachers during the 2024-2025 school year. After the pilot period, adjustments will be made to the curriculum and the program will expand. Over the three-year life of the American History and Civics National Activities grant from the U.S. Department of Education, this program will accomplish the following:
- Develop 8 media literacy lessons and educator support materials for grades 4–8 that can stand alone and align with the Project Citizen curricular program
- Pilot the new lessons in PD and the classroom
- Train mentor teachers and state coordinators in the new module
- Provide yearlong PD to grades 4–8 teachers working with underserved students
- Disseminate the media literacy module to Project Citizen coordinators and education leaders in every state and the District of Columbia
- Engage underserved students across the country in the Project Citizen curricular program enhanced with the media literacy module
- Facilitate each participating class of students to present their policy proposal to their school or local community
Expected Reach
0
Students
0
Teachers
0
Schools
0
States
And once hosted on the Center website, the free lesson plans and educator resources will continue to reach thousands more students, and their teachers, across the country.
Teachers in California and Hawaii are engaged in the Project Community pilot program for the 2024-2025 academic year. The program will then open to more regions the following academic year. But regardless of where you are, you can contact your state coordinator to learn about Project Citizen in your state. Or, contact the Center’s programs team at programs@civiced.org.
