Challenging Hate Online

In this lesson students learn how digital media is used to promote or combat hatred and intolerance.

Video Games

In this lesson, students are introduced to the ways video games may impact their mental and physical health. Students start with a reflection on their use of video games, specifically the amount of time they play and the role of games in their lives. This is followed by a class activity based on several key questions relating to the positive and/or negative effects video games may have on our health. Finally, students will be given an opportunity to debate key claims on the health effects of video games.

The Hero Project: Authenticating Online Information

Students are introduced to Internet search skills through researching a personal hero. By focusing on the early parts of the research process, students learn to select well-defined topics, ask relevant research questions and select effective keywords. Students then present the information they have found to their classmates in the form of a media product.

Reality Check: Getting the Goods on Science and Health

In this lesson, students start by considering the wide range of science and health information they are likely to encounter in news or through social media. They read an article on a scientific topic to help them understand the particular challenges of verifying science and health information and then use an educational computer game to practice skills in critically reading health and science stories. Finally, students compile a list of reliable sources they can turn to for verifying health and science stories.

Outcome Chart - Alberta - Health and Life Skills Grade 6

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Alberta Grade 6 Health and Life Skills curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart – Newfoundland & Labrador - Computer Science 8

Overall Expectations:

GCO 5: Technological Responsibility: Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the consequences of their technological choices.

Specific Expectations:

3.0 practice safe use of technology
4.0 apply legal and ethical practices when using technology