About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
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a compelling and timely question;
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related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
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extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
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student graphic organizers;
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a simple debate tool;
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a teacher's guide to the module;
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and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should face masks be federally mandated? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world, debate has broken out about the use of masks or face coverings. While most disease experts suggest that wearing a mask can help stop the spread, others believe that wearing a mask should be a choice. Schools and universities are returning for classes and mask wearing has become a point of contention with anti-masks protests and inconsistent requirements around the nation. Should the federal government step in to mandate masks and face coverings?
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.
