Media Unit 4 Table of Contents
Evaluation of Research Sources and Information
Grades 6-8
Section
Page Number
Unit Essential Questions
2
Unit Goals and Sub Goals (Task Analysis)
2
Unit Language
3
Unit Assessments Checklist
4
Sample Unit Calendar
5
1|Page
Unit Title:
Stage 1
Standards:
(Alpha-numeric
listing of standards
incorporated in the
unit)
Middle School Grades 6-8
Media Unit 4
Evaluation of Research Sources and Information
Identify Desired Results
Dates of Unit:
Anchor Standards:
 1.1D - Find, evaluate and select appropriate sources to answer questions
 1.1F – Evaluate information for accuracy, validity, importance, and bias
 4.1C – Evaluate digital information sources for accuracy, validity, importance and bias

CC.W.8.8 - Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the
credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism
and following a standard format for citation.
Supporting Standards:
 1.1A – Follow and inquiry-based process to seek knowledge
 1.2A – Analyze and evaluate information to draw conclusions and make informed decisions
 CC.W.4 – Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research…
 3.2A – Consider a variety of balanced and authoritative sources
Essential
Questions:
Goals:
Learning Targets:
(aligned to goals)
2|Page
How can I be sure that my information is accurate and relevant for my task?
I can find and evaluate appropriate print sources for authority, accuracy,
validity, importance, and bias.
I can evaluate author, publisher and text age.
I can evaluate the applicability, argument and tone of print sources
I can find and evaluate digital sources for authority, accuracy, validity,
importance, and bias
I can correctly define vocabulary associated with this unit.
I can use a criterion checklist to evaluate digital sources
I can evaluate the accuracy, validity, and bias of print sources
I can find Bibliographic information on websites to evaluate authority and
objectivity
Stage 2
Determine Assessment Evidence
Academic Language (What language will students need to sound like experts?)
Academic Language Function(s):
Academic Language Stems:
Easy for Beginners
 Ask and answer clarifying and informational questions.
 I can use ___ to find ___.
 I used ___ to find ___.
 This is a ___.
 This is not a ___.
Academic Vocabulary:
 ___ is a good tool to find ___.
 Primary sources
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Secondary sources
Authoritative sources
Relevant sources
Plagiarism
Accuracy
Validity
Bias
Fact
Opinion
Currency
Database
Objectivity
Coverage
Applicability
Audience
Tone
Domain
Credentials
Relevant
Documented
Works Cited
Bibliography
Assessment
Tools:
3|Page
 Assessment Checklist
Medium for Intermediate
 I know this is a ___ source is because…
 The main reason I thought this was a ___ source was/is because…
 ___ is a good tool for finding ___ because…
 In order to find a ___ I ___...
 Using ___ as a tool, I was able to locate ___.
Difficult for Advanced and Fluent
 I was able to locate this ___ by using/by first…
 I know that this source is ___ due to the fact that…
 The main reason I thought this was a ___ source was/is due to the fact that…
 My ___ sources address my question through…
 ___ are best found using ___ rather than ___.
 ___ is (an effective/an appropriate) tool for finding ___ due to…
 In my opinion this source____ because ___.
 The _____ of this source is _____.
Unit of Study Assessment Checklist
The student…
Student Name
4|Page
GOAL 1
I can find and evaluate
appropriate print sources
for authority, accuracy,
validity, importance, and
bias.
Without
difficulty
With
some
difficulty
Not at
all
GOAL 2
I can find and evaluate
digital sources for authority,
accuracy, validity,
importance, and bias
Without
difficulty
With
some
difficulty
Not at all
Notes
Stage 3
Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction
SAMPLE UNIT CALENDAR
Learning Goals
LEARNING TARGET 1
LEARNING TARGET 2
LEARNING TARGET 3
I can find and evaluate
appropriate print sources for
authority, accuracy, validity,
importance, and bias.
I can evaluate author, publisher
and text age.
I can evaluate the applicability,
argument and tone of print
sources
I can evaluate the accuracy,
validity, and bias of print sources
I can find and evaluate digital
sources for authority, accuracy,
validity, importance, and bias
I can correctly define vocabulary
associated with this unit.
I can use a criterion checklist
to evaluate digital sources
I can find Bibliographic
information on websites to
evaluate authority and
objectivity
5|Page