Description: The research is still out when it comes to exactly how screen time affects our health. But one area where we know it does is our sleep. Just having a device near us seems to change the way our brains work. Help students learn that being responsible with digital media means adjusting how we use it so it isn't unhealthy for our bodies or our brains.
Essential Question: Can screen time be bad for us?
Learning Targets
Students will be able to:
Lesson Plan
Description:Often, the more information we have, the better decisions we're able to make. The power of data can benefit both individuals and governments. But who can be trusted with the responsibility of having all this data? Can governments collect and use it fairly and without violating our privacy? Help students think through this question and become thoughtful influencers of data policy and practice.
Essential Question: Should the government have access to all your social media and cellphone data?
Learning Targets
Students will be able to:
Lesson Plan
Description: Research shows that happiness in life is less about what you do and more about why you do it. When your actions have purpose, they lead to positive results -- both for you and the world. Help students use the power of the internet to turn their personal passions into positive impact.
Essential Question: How can you create a digital footprint that showcases your purpose?
Learning Targets
Students will be able to:
Lesson Plan
Description: When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an opportunity to find common ground and deeper understanding. Teach students to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change.
Essential Question: How can we communicate with civility online?
Learning Targets
Students will be able to:
Lesson Plan
Description: Hate speech can be both distasteful and offensive, but in many countries it isn't illegal -- it's protected as free speech. But should it be? Many people worry that tolerance of hate speech, especially online, has led to acts of actual violence and hate crimes. But if hate speech is banned, who gets to decide what qualifies or doesn't qualify? Pose these questions for students, and help them think through the importance of both respect for others and free speech.
Essential Question: Should online hate speech be censored?
Learning Targets
Students will be able to:
Lesson Plan
Description: When we get news from our social media feeds, it often only tells us part of the story. Our friends -- and the website's algorithms -- tend to feed us perspectives we already agree with. Show students ways to escape the filter bubble and make sure their ideas about the world are being challenged.
Essential Question: How can filter bubbles limit the information we're exposed to?
Learning Targets
Students will be able to:
Lesson Plan