Seals’ Digital Citizenship Lesson Plan
CRAAP Test and Resource Evaluations
Introduction
As students need to research sources for essays and class assignments, also need to be able to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. This lesson is intended to introduce the CRAAP Test to students. The CRAAP Test is used by teachers to provide a guideline that students can implement to determine if an article or web page is appropriate for academic classwork. The students will review a PowerPoint on evaluating sources and how to apply the CRAAP test with a teacher-led sample. After the introduction, students will practice evaluating sources using eight teacher-supplied internet sources.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this lesson, the students will be successful when they can gather relevant information from multiple digital sources and be able to determine if those sources are reliable and appropriate to complete school assignments or to include in research essays.
Grade Level:
This assignment is geared to students in 10th but can also be used for students in grades 11 and 12.
Standards
Georgia Standards of Excellence for 10th Grade World Literature
ELAGSE9-10W8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
ResourcesOff-line: No offline resources are necessary for this lesson. Printed-out handouts of the PowerPoint and the source evaluation sheet will be available for students who need a hard copy.
Online: The PowerPoint, assignment instructions, and Evaluating Sources handout will be posted on the class Canvas page. The websites the students will be evaluating are:
1.Site name: Patel Defense
Article title: “5 reasons kids shouldn’t face adult charges”.
URL: https://pateldefense.com/5-reasons-kids-shouldnt-face- adult-charges/
This page is for a law firm that is trying to drum up business from parents whose child is facing criminal charges. It is not reliable, as the owner of the website is looking to increase
their business using hyperbole and fear tactics to persuade
parents to hire them.
2.Site name: Research Gate
Article title: “Are you in favor of reducing the age of criminal
responsibility? How is the law in your country?”
URL:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Are_you_in_favor_of_reducing_the_age_of_criminal_responsibility_How_is_the_law_in_your_country2
This page is intended for individuals to ask and respond to
questions or topics. It is not reliable, as the responses are
primarily individuals’ opinions and are not supported by
research. Additionally, the individuals’ qualifications and
credibility are not verifiable.
3.Site name: American Bar Association
Article Title: “Should Juveniles Be Charged as Adults in the Criminal Justice System?”
URL: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/childrens-rights/articles/2016/should-juveniles-be-charged-as-adults/
This page is reliable, as it is a non-profit (.org) that is monitored and maintained as a professional source for all attorneys and the general public. It is intended to be objective and provide information that may be utilized for individuals seeking legal advice from multiple viewpoints.
4. Site name: The New York Times
Article Title: “Should Parents Be Jailed When Kids Drink?”
URL: https://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/should-parents-be-jailed-when-kids-drink/
This site has mixed reliability. While the news organization has credibility, the article is from a blog. The views are from a group of editors who expressing their opinion. This viewpoint may contain biases that may or may not be backed by supporting data; however, the information could be used, as it would be assumed the authors have an extensive background covering this topic.
5. Site name: Teen Ink
Article Title: “Should Teens Be Tried As Adults”
URL: https://www.teenink.com/opinion/all/article/10664/Should-Teens-Be-Tried-As-Adults
This page is unreliable. The author of the page is anonymous, and their comments are merely stating an opinion. The information is not supported by research or data.
6. Site name: Time
Article Title: “Should the Law Treat Kids and Adults Differently?”
URL: http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,110232,00.html
This site has a high degree of reliability. There is a specific author listed, and the magazine has a longstanding reputation as a reliable news source. The only concern would be the credentials of the author and any potential bias they may have.
7. Site name: PBS
Article Title: “Does Treating Kids Like Adults Make a Difference?”
URL: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/juvenile/
This is a reliable source, as PBS is widely considered unbiased. Additionally, the article includes resource materials and evidence from multiple sources.
8. Site name: Wikipedia
Article Title: “Trial as an adult”
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_as_an_adult
This is an unreliable source. Students are always told that Wikipedia cannot be trusted as any individual can add or alter information on the site, which automatically makes any of the data suspect.
Integration of Technology
Students will use school supplied desktop computers or Chromebooks to access the course Canvas page. The instructions, PowerPoint, and CRAAP Test handout to be completed will be linked under the lesson for the current module and date of the class meeting.
Students will use the school supplied technology or can opt to bring their own device or even use their smartphone to complete the assignment. The PowerPoint and instructions can be viewed in the classroom or either synchronously or asynchronously for an online course. The handout can be completed online, with the option to use a paper printout for in-person classrooms.
Students will learn how to effectively evaluate the credibility of online sources.
Students will complete a graphic organizer that evaluates each section of the CRAAP test for eight different web sources.
Students will use a school supplied desktop computer or Chromebook using the school’s internet service. They are recommended to use the Google browser to access the assigned web pages. The school software supports PowerPoint to view the presentation and Word to view instructions and to complete the assignment.
Students should already have the basic skills of operating a desktop or laptop computer, be familiar with web browsers and finding web pages, and using keyboards to enter search parameters and to enter text.
Materials
List all the materials that the students will need to complete this lesson plan. Make sure to include all the software applications that you are planning to use.
Process
Activity Procedures:
1. Students will log onto the computer and access the course Canvas page
2. Students will review the lesson instructions
3. Students will view the CRAAP Test PowerPoint up to the slide with the CRAAP Test video link.
4. Students will view the video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M1-aMCJHFg
5. Students will visit each of the eight listed web pages and document their evaluations on the graphic organizer.
6. Students will submit their completed graphic organizer.
7. For in-person or synchronous online lessons, the instructor will monitor student progress and answer questions. Students completing the assignment asynchronously can email the teacher if they have any questions.
Lesson Closure: For in-person or synchronous lessons, the teacher will solicit students to share their findings and to briefly discuss responses to each web page. The instructor will note how evaluating sources will benefit their research in subsequent coursework in this and other classes. Additionally, the teacher will facilitate a discussion on how the CRAAP test is beneficial for real-life situations.
Assessment
Student learning will be assessed by successful completion of the graphic organizer, which will be graded by the teacher. Each chosen web page was chosen to include sites that are reliable and sites that are not reliable. As future assignments will require students to validate the reliability of their sources, the lesson will be applicable throughout the course.
As the objective is to learn and apply the CRAAP Test to assigned web pages, student achievement will be qualitatively evaluated. The evaluation aligns with the Georgia Standard and the lesson objective.
Extensions/Modifications
The standard lesson may be modified for students who have difficulty with technology in an in-person class by providing paper handouts of the graphic organizer, PowerPoint, instructions, and each of the articles.
The lesson can be extended for gifted or higher-level students by having them conduct their own research to locate examples of web pages that are reliable and unreliable. Optionally, these students could research the assigned web pages to find additional biases that may influence opinions.
References
Rucker, M. (n.d.a). Evaluating Sources (Word Document).
Rucker, M. (n.d.b). The Research Process (PPT).
CRAAP Test and Resource Evaluations
Introduction
As students need to research sources for essays and class assignments, also need to be able to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. This lesson is intended to introduce the CRAAP Test to students. The CRAAP Test is used by teachers to provide a guideline that students can implement to determine if an article or web page is appropriate for academic classwork. The students will review a PowerPoint on evaluating sources and how to apply the CRAAP test with a teacher-led sample. After the introduction, students will practice evaluating sources using eight teacher-supplied internet sources.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this lesson, the students will be successful when they can gather relevant information from multiple digital sources and be able to determine if those sources are reliable and appropriate to complete school assignments or to include in research essays.
Grade Level:
This assignment is geared to students in 10th but can also be used for students in grades 11 and 12.
Standards
Georgia Standards of Excellence for 10th Grade World Literature
ELAGSE9-10W8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
ResourcesOff-line: No offline resources are necessary for this lesson. Printed-out handouts of the PowerPoint and the source evaluation sheet will be available for students who need a hard copy.
Online: The PowerPoint, assignment instructions, and Evaluating Sources handout will be posted on the class Canvas page. The websites the students will be evaluating are:
1.Site name: Patel Defense
Article title: “5 reasons kids shouldn’t face adult charges”.
URL: https://pateldefense.com/5-reasons-kids-shouldnt-face- adult-charges/
This page is for a law firm that is trying to drum up business from parents whose child is facing criminal charges. It is not reliable, as the owner of the website is looking to increase
their business using hyperbole and fear tactics to persuade
parents to hire them.
2.Site name: Research Gate
Article title: “Are you in favor of reducing the age of criminal
responsibility? How is the law in your country?”
URL:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Are_you_in_favor_of_reducing_the_age_of_criminal_responsibility_How_is_the_law_in_your_country2
This page is intended for individuals to ask and respond to
questions or topics. It is not reliable, as the responses are
primarily individuals’ opinions and are not supported by
research. Additionally, the individuals’ qualifications and
credibility are not verifiable.
3.Site name: American Bar Association
Article Title: “Should Juveniles Be Charged as Adults in the Criminal Justice System?”
URL: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/childrens-rights/articles/2016/should-juveniles-be-charged-as-adults/
This page is reliable, as it is a non-profit (.org) that is monitored and maintained as a professional source for all attorneys and the general public. It is intended to be objective and provide information that may be utilized for individuals seeking legal advice from multiple viewpoints.
4. Site name: The New York Times
Article Title: “Should Parents Be Jailed When Kids Drink?”
URL: https://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/should-parents-be-jailed-when-kids-drink/
This site has mixed reliability. While the news organization has credibility, the article is from a blog. The views are from a group of editors who expressing their opinion. This viewpoint may contain biases that may or may not be backed by supporting data; however, the information could be used, as it would be assumed the authors have an extensive background covering this topic.
5. Site name: Teen Ink
Article Title: “Should Teens Be Tried As Adults”
URL: https://www.teenink.com/opinion/all/article/10664/Should-Teens-Be-Tried-As-Adults
This page is unreliable. The author of the page is anonymous, and their comments are merely stating an opinion. The information is not supported by research or data.
6. Site name: Time
Article Title: “Should the Law Treat Kids and Adults Differently?”
URL: http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,110232,00.html
This site has a high degree of reliability. There is a specific author listed, and the magazine has a longstanding reputation as a reliable news source. The only concern would be the credentials of the author and any potential bias they may have.
7. Site name: PBS
Article Title: “Does Treating Kids Like Adults Make a Difference?”
URL: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/juvenile/
This is a reliable source, as PBS is widely considered unbiased. Additionally, the article includes resource materials and evidence from multiple sources.
8. Site name: Wikipedia
Article Title: “Trial as an adult”
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_as_an_adult
This is an unreliable source. Students are always told that Wikipedia cannot be trusted as any individual can add or alter information on the site, which automatically makes any of the data suspect.
Integration of Technology
Students will use school supplied desktop computers or Chromebooks to access the course Canvas page. The instructions, PowerPoint, and CRAAP Test handout to be completed will be linked under the lesson for the current module and date of the class meeting.
Students will use the school supplied technology or can opt to bring their own device or even use their smartphone to complete the assignment. The PowerPoint and instructions can be viewed in the classroom or either synchronously or asynchronously for an online course. The handout can be completed online, with the option to use a paper printout for in-person classrooms.
Students will learn how to effectively evaluate the credibility of online sources.
Students will complete a graphic organizer that evaluates each section of the CRAAP test for eight different web sources.
Students will use a school supplied desktop computer or Chromebook using the school’s internet service. They are recommended to use the Google browser to access the assigned web pages. The school software supports PowerPoint to view the presentation and Word to view instructions and to complete the assignment.
Students should already have the basic skills of operating a desktop or laptop computer, be familiar with web browsers and finding web pages, and using keyboards to enter search parameters and to enter text.
Materials
List all the materials that the students will need to complete this lesson plan. Make sure to include all the software applications that you are planning to use.
- Desktop computer or Chromebook (optional personal technology)
- Internet access
- Optional: email access to submit electronic files if unable to access the Canvas account.
- Optional: printed handouts of the online source material.
Process
Activity Procedures:
1. Students will log onto the computer and access the course Canvas page
2. Students will review the lesson instructions
3. Students will view the CRAAP Test PowerPoint up to the slide with the CRAAP Test video link.
4. Students will view the video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M1-aMCJHFg
5. Students will visit each of the eight listed web pages and document their evaluations on the graphic organizer.
6. Students will submit their completed graphic organizer.
7. For in-person or synchronous online lessons, the instructor will monitor student progress and answer questions. Students completing the assignment asynchronously can email the teacher if they have any questions.
Lesson Closure: For in-person or synchronous lessons, the teacher will solicit students to share their findings and to briefly discuss responses to each web page. The instructor will note how evaluating sources will benefit their research in subsequent coursework in this and other classes. Additionally, the teacher will facilitate a discussion on how the CRAAP test is beneficial for real-life situations.
Assessment
Student learning will be assessed by successful completion of the graphic organizer, which will be graded by the teacher. Each chosen web page was chosen to include sites that are reliable and sites that are not reliable. As future assignments will require students to validate the reliability of their sources, the lesson will be applicable throughout the course.
As the objective is to learn and apply the CRAAP Test to assigned web pages, student achievement will be qualitatively evaluated. The evaluation aligns with the Georgia Standard and the lesson objective.
Extensions/Modifications
The standard lesson may be modified for students who have difficulty with technology in an in-person class by providing paper handouts of the graphic organizer, PowerPoint, instructions, and each of the articles.
The lesson can be extended for gifted or higher-level students by having them conduct their own research to locate examples of web pages that are reliable and unreliable. Optionally, these students could research the assigned web pages to find additional biases that may influence opinions.
References
Rucker, M. (n.d.a). Evaluating Sources (Word Document).
Rucker, M. (n.d.b). The Research Process (PPT).