***PROTOTYPE UNIT*** Unit 04. Fake news – I’m an investigative journalist

IMPORTANT: This is an early release prototype unit. It is not yet avilalable for purchase. You may only redeem this unit if you received an early access code from the Craig’n’Dave UK Festival of Computing 2026.

Prototype units will be replaced with real units ready to purchase in August 2026 ready for the Autumn term.

Unit career

I’m an investigative journalist

“As an investigative journalist, I uncover and report on important stories that require research and digging deeper. This involves interviewing sources, analysing documents, spotting fake news, social manipulation and piecing together evidence to reveal the truth.”

Key Question

All the activities in this unit enable students to answer the key question:

How can we uncover the truth online when some information is designed to be misleading?

Knowledge statements

This is achieved by students studying 4 “Learn-it” lessons, each of which focus on one knowledge statement:

1. Know how to identify fake news presented by online sources.
   • E.g. “Living Corpses” in Bucha, “The Ghost of Kyiv” etc.
2. Know that information presented as news can be created with the intent to influence public opinion or obscure the truth.
3. Know the techniques used in social manipulation.
4. Know the impact of fake news and social manipulation on society.

E.g. how it can affect political decisions in elections and eroding public trust.

What is included in this unit?

• Teacher guide providing a detailed overview of the unit.
• 6 Lesson folders:
  • 4 “Learn-it” lessons with a teacher PowerPoint and student workbook.
  • 1 “Make-it” lesson with assessment materials for teachers and students.
  • 1 “Review-it” lesson with an end of topic MCQ test, assessment grid, peer assessment and self-reflection.
• Any additional resources and materials needed for the activities are provided in the lesson folders.
• 6 detailed lesson plans explaining how to teach the 3 lesson phases.
• Extension activities with model answers.
• 3 independent homework question sheets supported by 3 online videos hosted on Tella.