Activity Preparation - Counterknowledge

Preparation

Required Materials

• Counterknowledge handout
• Print reference materials to research counterknowledge examples (e.g., encyclopedia, periodicals, books )
• Online reference materials to research counterknowledge examples. These resources might include:
  • Definition of ‘counterknowledge'
  • Definition of ‘conspiracy theory'

Group Conspiracy Theory—JFK’s Assassination

• New JFK assassination conspiracy theories: The grassy knoll, Umbrella Man, LBJ and Ted Cruz’s dad
• What Physics Reveals About the JFK Assassination
• Most People Believe in JFK Conspiracy Theories
• 10 Conspiracy Theories About the JFK Assassination

Independent Conspiracy Theory 1 – Holocaust Deniers

• Combatting Holocaust Denial
• Mel Mermelstein Survived Auschwitz, Then Sued Holocaust Deniers in Court
• How Holocaust Denial Works
• Taking on Holocaust Denial Point by Point

Independent Conspiracy Theory 2 – UFOs

• What We've Learned From 60 Years of U.S.-Funded UFO Probes
• Do Records Show Proof of UFOs?
• UFO Story
• What Exactly are UFOs?

Independent Conspiracy Theory 3 – Bigfoot

• Why Do So Many People Still Want to Believe in Bigfoot?
• Is There Any Proof that Bigfoot Is Real?
• How Chasing Bigfoot Can Lead to Actual Science
• So Why Do People Believe in Bigfoot Anyway?

Independent Conspiracy Theory 4 – The Earth is Flat

• Flat Earthers: Belief, Skepticism, and Denialism
• Looking for Life on a Flat Earth
• What Would Happen if the Earth were Actually Flat?
• Flat or round? What one author learned about believers of the flat-Earth theory

Teacher resources:

• Conspiracy Theories: Who Believes Them and Why? How Can You Determine if They are True or False?: This e-book offers information teachers can use themselves to better understand how to identify instances counterknowledge in the form of conspiracy theories.
• False, Misleading, Clickbait-y, and Satirical “News” Sources: This file includes a list on sites that are not reliable sources of information and tips for knowing what to look for.
• Conspiracy Theories Archive: Educators may be interested in looking through this Snopes collection on conspiracy theories. Not all stories are appropriate for students.

Advanced Preparation:

1. Review and print handout or post the link to the Counterknowledge handout wherever you distribute digital files so each student can access the handout.

• Review the Counterknowledge handout.
• Print one copy of the Counterknowledge handout per student or post the link to the Counterknowledge handout wherever you distribute digital files so each student can access the handout.
• If students complete a digital copy of the Counterknowledge handout, decide how you want them to rename the file for easy identification later. For example, do you want each student to create a file or will it be sufficient for each pair or trio to share one file?

2. Gather print reference materials or arrange to visit school library.

3. Identify and review online research resources. You may want to post links to some of the suggested Online Resources for students wherever you distribute digital resources to students.

4. Divide classes into teams of 3-4 students who will work together to complete the assignment.