Detecting Media Bias and Interpreting Symbolism Bundle for Civics

This Detecting Media Bias and Interpreting Symbolism Bundle for Civics includes three resources on Bias and Symbolism and their influence on American politics. What is the CRAAP system for determining a news source’s credibility? How can bias affect how a school newspaper reports on a football game? What examples of symbolism can we find in historical presidential campaign ads and war propaganda posters? This bundle is perfect for middle and high school students studying bias in Civics, American Government, Media Studies, and even English Language Arts classes studying how bias and symbolism can affect American politics and influence public opinion!

Aligned to the Florida State Standard for Middle School Civics:

• SS.7.CG.2.9 Analyze media and political communications and identify examples of bias, symbolism and propaganda: “Students will evaluate how bias, symbolism and propaganda can impact public opinion.”

This bundle includes:

✯ Detecting Media Bias Article & Review Activities for Civics: A three-page Detecting Media Bias article is accompanied by a comprehension review reinforcing vocabulary and key concepts. An Interpreting Bias political cartoon activity and Reporting Bias creative writing assignment provide further application. Finally, an optional Bias in the Media internet activity has students analyzing bias in Left- and Right-leaning news articles online.

✯ Detecting Bias: Media Literacy & Bias Digital Google Slides Activity for Civics: Students watch two YouTube videos introducing how media bias influences public opinion and the news we receive. Students will fill out graphic organizers, interpret quotes, and fact-check their own news story by applying what they have learned about media literacy and detecting bias!

✯ Interpreting Symbolism Picture Analysis for Civics & American Government: In this resource, students analyze four historic propaganda posters and political campaign ads for the meaning and purpose behind the symbolism used. Students should walk away from this activity with a firm understanding of how to analyze symbolism in media, as well as how political propaganda can use symbolism to convey certain messages and influence public opinion.

These resources include print and digital versions. One is a Google Slides exclusive activity, and the other two are non-editable printable PDFs that also have digital versions through TPT Easel. The digital TPT Easel version can be assigned directly through Google Classroom, or you can generate a link that can be shared with your students over email or through your school’s LMS!

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