2008 Economy Ads

Media literacy and critical thinking activity decoding Obama and McCain television advertisements on the economy for message and technique.

Abolitionists on Film

Media literacy and critical thinking lesson using four short film excerpts to teach about arguments for the abolition of slavery and the tactics used by abolitionists.

Consumer Choices About Natural Resource Use Assessment

Media literacy and critical thinking assessment analyzing messages in a book cover and poster and writing an opinion piece on consumer choices,

High School Social Studies: Soviet History-Posters

Related to kit: Soviet History Through Posters: A Visual Literacy Kit

An example of leading a class through a constructivist media decoding using a lesson from our kit, Soviet History Through Posters. Students are led through a decoding of five Soviet government posters from 1918 to 1988, where they apply historical knowledge while practicing media literacy skills.

Selection of Media Documents

The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Online Guide consists of a series of pull-down menus and embedded links to specific examples from existing Project Look Sharp curriculum kits and lessons, particularly those designed for community groups and broad audiences, such as the sustainability curriculum kits. These suggestions on the topic of Selection of Media Documents include sections on: selecting media formats, searching for media documents, addressing copyright issues, seeking diverse representations, tracing media sources, teaching rigorous independent and reflective thought, and do no harm.

The First Women's Rights Convention

Students analyze a National Parks Service webpage on the first women's rights convention for messages about the interconnections between 19th century social justice campaigns and about authorship and purpose. This simple decoding activity has been taken from a larger lesson with many slides titled “Hear Our Voices”. To access this lesson, type the title with quotes into the PLS keyword search bar.

"A Long Time Ago & Today" Comic Book Panel

Students analyze a comic book panel for messages about conquistadors, Ronald Reagan's support for the El Salvadoran military and about target audience in media messages. This simple decoding activity has been taken from a larger lesson with many slides titled “Friend or Foe?”. To access this lesson, type the title with quotes into the PLS keyword search bar.

"American Progress" Painting

Students analyze a 19th century painting for messages about progress and about personal interpretation of media messages.This simple decoding activity has been taken from a larger lesson with many slides titled “History of Endangered Species." To access this lesson, type the title with quotes into the PLS keyword search bar.

"Bald Eagles: Saving Our Symbol" Webpage

Students analyze a webpage for messages about bald eagles, DDT and about purpose and funding in media messages. This simple decoding activity has been taken from a larger lesson with many slides titled “History of Endangered Species." To access this lesson, type the title with quotes into the PLS keyword search bar.

"Beaver Trapping" Diagram

Students analyze an 18th century diagram for messages about beaver trapping and about target audience.This simple decoding activity has been taken from a larger lesson with many slides titled “History of Endangered Species." To access this lesson, type the title with quotes into the PLS keyword search bar.