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Social Media Influence Research Project

Grade 9English16 days

In this project, ninth-grade students explore the comprehensive impacts of social media on behavior, education, ethics, and public opinion. Through activities like engaging with influencers, exploring algorithms, and participating in ethical debates, students assess the credibility of social media information and discuss its implications on society. The culmination includes a research paper that synthesizes learning into complex analyses of social media’s multifaceted influences, presented with digital multimedia elements.

Social MediaAlgorithmsInformation CredibilityEthicsDigital MediaPublic Opinion

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we explore the multifaceted impacts of social media on individual behavior, education, ethics, and public opinion while critically assessing the role of algorithms and information credibility?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How does social media influence individual and societal behavior?
In what ways can social media be used as a tool for education and learning?
What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of social media platforms?
How do algorithms in social media platforms affect the information we receive?
What role does social media play in shaping public opinion?
How can we critically evaluate the credibility of information shared on social media?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will understand the multifaceted impacts of social media on individual behavior and society.
Students will explore the role of social media as a tool for education and engage with its ethical considerations.
Students will critically assess the influence of algorithms in shaping the information received on social media platforms.
Students will evaluate the credibility of information on social media, identifying ways to verify authenticity and reliability.
Students will develop skills in conducting thorough research projects, synthesizing information from multiple sources.
Students will enhance their collaborative discussion skills, engaging in thoughtful exchanges and understanding diverse perspectives.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2

Primary

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.Reason: Aligns with the goal of conveying complex ideas about social media impacts clearly and accurately.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.A

Primary

Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas so each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting, graphics, and multimedia as needed.Reason: Supports structuring research findings on social media impacts coherently and engagingly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.B

Primary

Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting significant facts and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge.Reason: Essential for exploring impacts and ethical considerations of social media thoroughly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.C

Secondary

Use varied transitions and syntax to link major sections of text and clarify relationships among complex ideas.Reason: Crucial for creating cohesive explanations on intricate subjects like algorithms and media information.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.D

Secondary

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage topic complexity.Reason: Necessary for discussing technical aspects of social media like algorithms and credibility.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.E

Secondary

Maintain a formal style and objective tone in accordance with writing norms.Reason: Important for academic writing on social media's impacts to maintain objectivity.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.F

Secondary

Provide a conclusion that supports the presented information.Reason: Helps students frame their analyses of social media impacts comprehensively.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.6

Primary

Use technology to produce and update writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new information.Reason: Supports interactive research and presentation using digital media.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7

Primary

Conduct sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem.Reason: Aligned with the project task of exploring comprehensive questions about social media.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.8

Primary

Gather information from authoritative sources, assessing each source's strengths and integrating selectively.Reason: Essential for evaluating information credibility and avoiding misinformation in social media research.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1

Primary

Initiate and participate in collaborative discussions on topics and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing clearly.Reason: Promotes critical discussions on social media's societal and ethical implications.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.A

Secondary

Come to discussions prepared and draw on preparation by referring to evidence.Reason: Encourages informed and evidence-based dialogues on social media issues.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.B

Secondary

Work with peers to promote civil discussions and decision-making.Reason: Supports structured engagements in evaluating social media impacts.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C

Primary

Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence.Reason: Essential for probing deep into various social media impacts.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.D

Primary

Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; resolve contradictions and determine needed information or research.Reason: Fosters comprehensive analysis and understanding of diverse views on social media.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2

Secondary

Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media to make informed decisions and solve problems.Reason: Aligns with evaluating and integrating varied media formats for informed assessments of social media.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4

Secondary

Present information and evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and understand the organization.Reason: Crucial for presenting research findings on social media impacts coherently.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5

Primary

Use strategic digital media in presentations to enhance understanding and add interest.Reason: Encourages engaging and enhanced presentations of complex social media research.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Influencer for a Day

Kick off the project by inviting a local influencer or content creator to discuss their experience managing a personal brand on social media. This event can spark curiosity by showing students the real-world applications of the skills they will learn, and offering them various inquiry pathways into personal branding, content creation, and digital citizenship.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Influencer Insight Reflection

Students will reflect on insights gained from the "Influencer for a Day" event, focusing on the real-world applications of content creation and personal branding in the social media context. This reflection serves as an entryway into deeper inquiry about social media impacts.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Attend the 'Influencer for a Day' event to listen and engage with the influencer or content creator.

2. Take notes on key points regarding personal brand management and the skills discussed.

3. Write a reflective piece on what was learned, focusing on how these insights could relate to examining social media's impact on individuals and society.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective essay highlighting insights from the influencer, relating these to broader social media impacts on individual behavior and branding.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2 (Convey complex ideas using reflection), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1 (Participate in discussions and express ideas clearly), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5 (Use digital media in presentations).

Activity 2

Algorithm Exploration Workshop

Students research how algorithms on social media platforms influence the information users receive. This activity helps students understand algorithmic impacts and encourages critical evaluation of media information.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research major social media platforms and their use of algorithms to tailor content for users.

2. Identify at least two platforms to focus on and examine the specifics of their algorithms.

3. Create a presentation outlining the findings, focusing on both positive and negative impacts of these algorithms on information credibility.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation detailing the influence of algorithms on social media, including positive/negative impacts and questions they raise.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.B (Develop topics with significant facts), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.8 (Gather information from multiple authoritative sources), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 (Present findings and evidence clearly), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5 (Use digital media strategically in presentations).

Activity 3

Ethical Debate Circle

Students engage in a class debate on ethical considerations regarding social media usage. This debate will prepare students to assess the societal and individual behavior impacts social media has, emphasizing civil discourse, evidence use, and diverse perspective evaluation.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research ethical issues surrounding social media, such as privacy, data usage, and misinformation.

2. Formulate a position on one ethical issue and prepare supporting arguments and evidence.

3. Participate in a class debate, presenting your position and engaging with opposing viewpoints constructively.

4. Reflect on the debate outcome and write a short analysis on how diverse opinions impact one's understanding of social media ethics.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA debate analysis report with reflections on ethical insights and the complexity of social media's influence.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.A (Participate in discussions with prepared evidence), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C (Propel conversations and evidence reasoning), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.D (Use precise language for complex topics), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.D (Respond to diverse perspectives thoughtfully).

Activity 4

Information Credibility Assessment

Students will assess the credibility of information found on social media by identifying reliable sources and applying a checklist for authenticity. This activity will culminate in crafting guidelines for responsible fact-checking and content verification on digital platforms.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Identify a controversial news story or trending topic on social media.

2. Investigate the sources of this information, checking for credibility based on established criteria (e.g., author credentials, citations, publication reputation).

3. Create a checklist of credibility factors, emphasizing differentiating between fact-based and opinionated content.

4. Develop personal guidelines for performing fact-checking on social media, presenting it in a multimodal format (e.g., infographic, video).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimodal presentation of personally developed guidelines for verifying information credibility on social media.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.8 (Assess source credibility and integrate information), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2 (Evaluate diverse formats and make informed decisions), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5 (Enhance understanding using digital media).

Activity 5

Social Media Impact Research Paper

Compile the results from previous activities into a comprehensive research paper on social media's multifaceted impacts. Students will structure their paper to cohesively present complex ideas and integrate information effectively from different sources, including insights from discussions and reflective pieces.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Collect notes, reflections, and findings from previous activities.

2. Create an outline for the research paper, including introduction, body sections (personal branding, algorithm impacts, ethical considerations, credibility checks), and conclusion.

3. Draft the research paper, ensuring ideas flow logically and sources are properly integrated and cited.

4. Incorporate feedback from peers and teachers to refine the paper.

5. Submit the final research paper with a multimedia element (e.g., presentation or infographic) that encapsulates main arguments.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA thoroughly researched and well-organized paper on social media's impacts, including multimedia elements to reinforce key arguments.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2 (Write informative texts to convey complex ideas), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7 (Conduct sustained research projects), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 (Present information clearly and coherently), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.6 (Use technology to produce and update writing).

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Social Media Impact Research and Analysis Rubric

Category 1

Content Understanding and Analysis

Assesses the depth of understanding of social media impacts and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and analytically in writing and presentations.

Criterion 1

Complex Idea Presentation

Ability to present complex ideas about social media impacts clearly and engagingly, using structured formats and varied transitions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents complex ideas with exceptional clarity and creativity; uses innovative structures that enhance understanding and engagement.

Proficient

3 Points

Clearly presents complex ideas with well-structured formats and varied transitions that aid understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Presents complex ideas with partial clarity; uses basic structures and limited transitions that somewhat aid understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to present complex ideas clearly; lacks structure and transitions, making understanding difficult.

Criterion 2

Use of Digital Media

Effectiveness and creativity in using digital media to enhance understanding and engagement in presentations.

Exemplary

4 Points

Utilizes digital media strategically and creatively to significantly enhance understanding and engagement.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively uses digital media to enhance understanding and engagement in a consistent manner.

Developing

2 Points

Uses digital media with minimal effectiveness, showing some enhancement of understanding and engagement.

Beginning

1 Points

Rarely or ineffectively uses digital media, providing little to no enhancement of understanding.

Category 2

Research and Credibility Assessment

Evaluates the ability to conduct thorough research, assess information credibility, and synthesize findings from multiple sources.

Criterion 1

Research Depth and Rigor

Depth of research and ability to use multiple authoritative sources to examine social media impacts.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts comprehensive research using diverse authoritative sources, demonstrating nuanced understanding and integration.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts thorough research using multiple authoritative sources, showing clear understanding and integration.

Developing

2 Points

Conducts basic research using limited sources, with some understanding and integration.

Beginning

1 Points

Conducts minimal research with inadequate sources, showing limited understanding and integration.

Criterion 2

Credibility Evaluation

Ability to assess the credibility of information gathered from various media formats critically.

Exemplary

4 Points

Critically evaluates the credibility of all sources, consistently identifying strengths and weaknesses with insightful analysis.

Proficient

3 Points

Evaluates the credibility of most sources, identifying strengths and weaknesses with clear analysis.

Developing

2 Points

Evaluates the credibility of some sources, with basic identification of strengths and weaknesses.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to evaluate source credibility, showing little to no analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

Category 3

Collaboration and Communication

Measures student engagement and effectiveness in collaborative discussions, critical thinking, and responding to diverse perspectives.

Criterion 1

Collaborative Engagement

Participation and contribution in discussions, with a focus on building on others’ ideas and effective communication.

Exemplary

4 Points

Leads discussions, consistently building on others’ ideas with sophistication and clear communication.

Proficient

3 Points

Actively participates in discussions, effectively building on others’ ideas and communicating clearly.

Developing

2 Points

Participates in discussions with some engagement, occasionally building on others’ ideas.

Beginning

1 Points

Participates minimally in discussions, rarely building on others’ ideas.

Criterion 2

Diverse Perspectives Engagement

Ability to engage with and respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives and integrate them into own ideas.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional engagement with diverse perspectives, synthesizing them seamlessly into own insights.

Proficient

3 Points

Engages well with diverse perspectives, integrating them thoughtfully into own insights.

Developing

2 Points

Engages with diverse perspectives with some integration into own insights.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to engage with diverse perspectives, showing little integration into own insights.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on how attending the 'Influencer for a Day' event has shaped your understanding of personal branding and its connection to social media's impact on individual behavior.

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident are you in evaluating the credibility of information on social media after completing the Information Credibility Assessment activity?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which ethical issue related to social media stood out to you during the Ethical Debate Circle, and why?

Text

Required

Question 4

Considering what you've learned about algorithms, which aspect do you think has the most significant impact on users' information intake? Choose from the following: Content personalization, Echo chamber effects, Issues in information credibility.

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Content personalization

Echo chamber effects

Issues in information credibility

Question 5

How have your skills in conducting thorough research projects improved after participating in the Social Media Impact Research Paper activity? Provide examples.

Text

Optional