Source Evaluation | Teacher Guide

Learning Objectives

Objective 1

Students will evaluate sources using the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose).

Objective 2

Students will identify indicators of bias including loaded language, missing perspectives, and author motivation.

Objective 3

Students will distinguish among facts, opinions, and reasoned judgments in texts.

Objective 4

Students will compare and synthesize information from multiple sources to verify claims.

Key Vocabulary

Credibility The quality of being trusted and believed in

Bias A tendency to favor one perspective over others

Primary Source Original, first-hand account or evidence

Secondary Source Analysis or interpretation of primary sources

Corroboration Confirming information across multiple sources

Misinformation False information spread without intent to deceive

Quick Lesson Flow

1-2 min

Hook: "Can You Trust It?"

Show two headlines about the same topic with conflicting claims. Ask: "Which one is right? How would you know?" Introduce the challenge of evaluating sources in the digital age.

2-3 min

Teach: The CRAAP Test

Introduce the five criteria: Currency (when published), Relevance (relates to topic), Authority (author expertise), Accuracy (supported by evidence), Purpose (why it was written). Use a quick example.

2-3 min

Practice: Spot the Bias

Show two short passages about the same topic written with different biases. Have students identify loaded language and missing perspectives. Discuss how bias doesn't mean "wrong" but requires awareness.

1-2 min

Apply: Cross-Reference Challenge

Present a claim and two source options. Students choose which source better supports the claim and explain why. Emphasize the importance of checking multiple sources.

Teaching Tip: Real-World Relevance

Connect source evaluation to students' daily lives: social media posts, YouTube videos, Wikipedia articles, and news feeds. Students are more engaged when they see how these skills apply to information they encounter every day. Consider using current events or trending topics as examples.

Discussion Questions

"Why might a website ending in .com be less reliable than one ending in .edu or .gov?"
"If two news sources report different facts about the same event, how do you decide which is accurate?"
"Can a biased source still contain useful information? How do you use it responsibly?"
"Why is checking the date of a source important, especially for science or technology topics?"
"What's the difference between 'misinformation' and 'disinformation'?"

Differentiation Strategies

Struggling Learners

Provide CRAAP test checklist as graphic organizer
Use side-by-side comparisons with highlighted differences
Focus on one criteria at a time
Pair with peer mentors

On-Level Learners

Complete standard worksheets
Evaluate sources independently
Compare two sources on same topic
Write brief reliability assessments

Advanced Learners

Analyze complex bias techniques
Research and evaluate sources on controversial topics
Create a "reliability rubric" for peers
Investigate misinformation campaigns

Common Misconceptions

"If it's published, it must be true." Remind students that anyone can publish online.
"Wikipedia is always unreliable." Discuss how to use Wikipedia as a starting point and check its sources.
"Bias means the source is useless." Clarify that bias awareness helps readers extract useful information.
"More sources = more reliable." Quality matters more than quantity; multiple unreliable sources don't add up to reliability.

Materials Checklist

Student Concept Worksheet (for guided instruction)
Practice Worksheet (for independent work)
FAST Format Quiz (for assessment)
Sample sources for evaluation (articles, websites)
CRAAP test reference cards (optional)

Source Evaluation - Teacher Guide