Assignment

Scientific research in popular sources classroom activity

Submitted by Janelle Bitter on October 9th, 2019
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Short Description: 

This think-pair-share activity in which students compare a popular and scholarly source will help them progress from answering observable questions (type of language and format) to analytical questions (intended audience). As a class, students will discuss their answers and talk about whether the popular source accurately represented the scholarly source.

Attachments: 
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Step-by-step instructions on using this activitydisplayed 705 times19.2 KB
The worksheet to be used in this activitydisplayed 719 times14.17 KB
PowerPoint presentation given at a conference about this activitydisplayed 762 times1020.35 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

Students will describe the information creation process for popular and scholarly sources, compare and contrast the type of information disseminated by each, and explain the ways in which authority and accuracy are contingent upon information need. Therefore, students will evaluate the accuracy and authority of a source based on discipline and information need and recognize and select appropriate resources for academic research.

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 
Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 
Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

Using technology can unnecessarily complicate this activity, so printing articles and using the Post-it Note option would be better for a low-tech option.

Suggested Citation: 
Bitter, Janelle. "Scientific research in popular sources classroom activity." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2019. https://projectcora.org/assignment/scientific-research-popular-sources-classroom-activity.