High School Journalism Unit 2
Unit PlanIntroduction to Journalism – Foundations and Functions
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ActivitiesTeaching with E.L.O.N. (Enriched Learning Opportunity Nexus) that seamlessly integrates AI
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Unit 2
Unit Overview: This unit introduces students to the field of journalism, focusing on its role in a democratic society, the variety of journalistic forms, the evolution of the press through history, and the foundational concepts of reporting including the 5 W’s and H. Students will explore journalism’s impact on public awareness and civic responsibility, examine ethical considerations, and begin practicing basic reporting and writing skills. Unit Objectives: Students will be able to:
Essential Questions:
Key Topics:
Primary & Secondary Sources: Primary:
Lesson Breakdown: Week 1: What is Journalism and Why It Matters
Week 2: Types of Journalism
Week 3: Journalism’s History and Ethics
Week 4: Writing the News – The 5 W’s and H
Assessments: Formative:
Suggested Extension Activities:
Vocabulary:
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The following activities include AI tools that enhance student engagement, provide data-driven insights, and facilitate personalized learning.
Activity 1: Pyramid Builder – Organize the News Lesson Tie-In: Inverted Pyramid Structure Type: Group Activity AI Tools:
Students receive a disorganized article. They attempt to manually arrange it into an inverted pyramid. Then they consult AI to compare structure. They explain differences in reasoning. Outcome: Understanding how to lead with the most essential facts and create logical flow. Activity 2: Headline & Lede Remix Lesson Tie-In: Crafting Strong Headlines and Ledes Type: Individual Activity AI Tools:
Students write their own headline and lede. Then, they use AI to generate 3–5 alternate versions. Students choose the best one and write a rationale for their choice. Outcome: Stronger hooks and better understanding of tone and audience targeting. Activity 3: AI Interview Simulator Lesson Tie-In: Conducting Interviews and Gathering Information Type: Group or Paired Activity AI Tools:
Students prepare a list of interview questions for a given scenario. They conduct mock interviews with an AI in character. They then summarize key quotes and information to use in an article draft. Outcome: Interviewing confidence, better questions, and understanding how to pull usable quotes. Activity 4: Fact or Fiction? Fact-Checking Relay Lesson Tie-In: Fact-Checking and Verifying Sources Type: Individual or Small Group AI Tools:
Students are given 5 short claims. They use AI tools to fact-check each, rate them (True/False/Unverified), and cite sources. As an extension, they revise one statement to make it accurate. Outcome: Critical media literacy and research skills. Activity 5: Bias Buster Rewrite Lesson Tie-In: Writing in an Objective and Concise Manner Type: Individual Activity AI Tools:
Students are given a biased or wordy article excerpt. First, they revise it manually. Then, they use AI to offer an alternative revision and compare both versions. Outcome: Stronger awareness of neutrality, tone, and journalistic integrity. Activity 6: Peer-Edit with AI Support Lesson Tie-In: Drafting and Revising Articles Type: Partner Activity AI Tools:
Students trade rough drafts. They review each other's articles and run them through AI tools for revision suggestions. Each student chooses which AI suggestions to accept or reject and explains why. Outcome: Stronger drafts and improved editorial decision-making. Activity 7: Newsroom Ethics Simulation Lesson Tie-In: Journalism Ethics Type: Group Activity AI Tools:
AI presents a dilemma (e.g., publish now or wait for verification). Students discuss in teams, then use AI to explore both potential consequences. They present their decision to the class. Outcome: Develop ethical reasoning and professional standards. Activity 8: Final Article AI Reflection Lesson Tie-In: Final Writing and Publishing Type: Individual Activity AI Tools:
Students finalize their article with light AI support. Then, they write a short reflection:
Reflection on AI as a tool, not a crutch—deepened awareness of process and ownership. |