Research Your Opinion

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will learn to effectively gather and evaluate evidence to support their opinions. They will focus on distinguishing between credible and non-credible sources while practicing their research skills. This lesson aligns with California English Language Arts (ELA) standards and promotes critical thinking and effective communication skills.

Grade Level

Grade 6

Duration

45 minutes

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify credible sources of information.
2. Differentiate between opinion and factual statements.
3. Gather evidence from at least two credible sources to support their opinion.
4. Begin formulating a framework for an opinion piece based on the gathered evidence.

California ELA Standards

• Writing Standard 1 (W.6.1): Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts.
• Research Standard 8 (W.6.8): Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources.
• Speaking and Listening Standard 4 (SL.6.4): Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner.

Materials Required

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector
• Chart paper
• Magazines, newspapers, and books (print resources)
• Laptops or tablets (if available)
• Access to pre-approved websites for research
• Handout: "Criteria for Credible Sources"

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook: Begin with a brief discussion by asking students, “What makes an opinion strong?” Write their responses on the board.
2. Objective Sharing: Explain the objectives for the lesson, highlighting the importance of using credible sources to back up their opinions.
3. Mini-Lecture: Introduce the concept of credible vs. non-credible sources. Discuss characteristics of credible sources: author expertise, publication date, citations, and bias.

Group Activity: Source Evaluation (15 minutes)

1. Grouping: Divide the class into five groups of six students.
2. Activity Instructions:
   • Provide each group with a collection of mixed articles (some credible, some not) and digital resources.
   • Each group will evaluate their sources using the "Criteria for Credible Sources" handout. Encourage spirited debate about each source's credibility.
3. Presentation: After 10 minutes, have each group present one source they evaluated and explain why they found it credible or not.

Independent Research (15 minutes)

1. Task Setup: Assign students to select a topic they are passionate about, relevant to their previous lessons in the unit.
2. Research Instructions:
   • Using either the provided print resources or approved websites, students must find at least two credible sources that support their opinion on their chosen topic.
   • As they research, they should take notes on key points that will help them support their opinion in future writings.
3. Support: Circulate around the room to assist students in their research and address any questions about source credibility.

Closure (5 minutes)

1. Class Discussion: Regroup and ask students to share one piece of evidence they gathered that excites them.
2. Reflection: Challenge students to think about how evidence can strengthen their opinions in writing.
3. Homework Reminder: Ask students to continue gathering evidence at home for their topics to prepare for the next lesson on structuring their opinion pieces.

Assessment

• Monitor group discussions during the Source Evaluation activity.
• Check notes from the Independent Research task for understanding of credible sources.
• Optional exit ticket: Students write down one thing they learned about credible sources and one question they still have.

Differentiation Strategies

• For Struggling Students: Provide a list of pre-approved sources to choose from. Pair them with a stronger peer for the research task.
• For Advanced Students: Encourage them to seek out a wider variety of sources, including interviews or expert opinions, and explore bias in different media.

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This lesson plan allows teachers to engage students in hands-on research while fostering critical thinking and opinion writing skills, setting the stage for effective argumentation in their writing journeys.