Thursday, January 10, 2013

Bias and Propaganda - continued

Aims:
1. IWBAT define bias and propaganda.
2. IWBAT identify bias and propaganda in nonfiction articles.
Can you figure out why Mr. T thinks this is funny?
If so, write it in a comment at the bottom of the page.

Tasks:
1. As you wait to get your computer, read the short article on bias and propaganda.

2. Review the definitions and examples for propaganda and bias:
  • Propaganda is information used to change the way people think or act. It is often one-sided, meaning that it doesn't consider other viewpoints.
    • example: An image of diseased lungs (or someone with lung cancer) is displayed where cigarettes are sold; the purpose is to make people think smoking is unhealthy and encourage them to not smoke cigarettes.
  • Bias is having a preference or dislike for something or someone.
    • example: A little Spiederman underpants-wearing brother would probably give any Spiderman movie an excellent review, even if you think it is crummy.

3. Read this passage about wolves:
          Wolves are extremely dangerous animals. They frequently attack other creatures without provocation. They are known to bite when agitated. They can overpower and seriously injure adults and fatally wound small children. Some people wish to reintroduce wolves into the environment. But these dangerous wild animals should be confined to zoos or eradicated.

4. Check your understanding by answering two questions about this passage:
  • Go to Socrative.
  • Enter the room number kba, and click Join Room.

5. Carefully reread the "Skateboards Rule" article from yesterday's class.

6. On Socrative, answer the analysis questions from the group challenge yesterday, about the "Skateboards Rule" article. Your answers will be scored after each question. You may work with a partner at a low volume level.

7. Read an article about "How to Exercise and Eat Right." This article is located in the Writing Portfolio folder of your Google Drive (already opened in another tab of Chrome).
  • Highlight unsupported inferences (opinion statements that have no evidence to support them)
  • Select each paragraph and add a comment (Click Comment under the Insert menu, or press Ctrl + Alt + M) with the main idea of the paragraph--what the paragraph is mostly about in one complete sentence.

8. On Socrative, answer the analysis questions about the "How to Exercise and Eat Right" article. Your answers will be scored after each question. You must work independently.

9. Complete an exit ticket to show Mr. T what you have learned today:
  • Enter your last name, then your first name. (example: Twarek, Bryan -- not Bryan Twarek)
  • Answer how well you understood the material today.
  • State something new you learned today.
  • Give a thorough response to this question: Why is this article considered propaganda?

If you finish early:
  • Explain why Mr. T thinks the comic at the top of this page is funny.  Make a comment below.
  • Explore the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum online propaganda exhibit: click here
  • Read an AR book silently

Homework: "Hang Up and Drive"