Today's resource Read about a map that's making the rounds on Facebook, supposedly detailing what American Indian tribe regions looked like pre-colonization. The map has been shared hundreds of thousands of times, but it's fake. Note: the article linked here is educational but also a bit sarcastic and flippant.
Talking points - Looking at the original map and source, how might students be tipped off that it wasn't real?
- What kind of research would help to verify the map prior to sharing it on social media?
- Does it matter that this inaccurate information is circulating so widely? Why or why not?
- The article seeks to educate, but it also takes a very mocking, almost flippant tone. Take a moment to identify some of the phrases or sentence that poke fun at readers while also trying to make a point. Are you offended or enlightened? Both? How might that affect the way this article is received?
Learning extension 1. Instruct students to research the idea of "confirmation bias." What is it? How do we know it exists? How can we identify when it's happening? How do we combat its effects? | 