Journalist Damien Thompson defines counterknowledge as misinformation packaged to look like fact. It is manifested in multiple formats including conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and pseudohistory. It’s tough for adults to do the research necessary to insure that they aren’t taken in by counterknowledge, so it’s no surprise that students struggle with figuring out what's true and what isn't.
In this activity, you will be introduced to the concept of counterknowledge and then work with one or two other students to decide why a specific conspiracy theory is an example of misinformation packaged to look like fact.
Group Conspiracy Theory—JFK’s Assassination
Independent Conspiracy Theory 1 – Holocaust Deniers
Independent Conspiracy Theory 2 – UFOs
Independent Conspiracy Theory 3 – Bigfoot
Independent Conspiracy Theory 4 – The Earth is Flat
Additional Resource