Prepared by: Jami Williams, Mexico High School, Mexico, Missouri

TARGET
Students will understand the methods of investigative journalism.

EDUCATION METHODS

1. PowerPoint presentation
2. Individual research activity
3. Individual writing

OBJECTIVES

1. Level 1 (Basic) understanding of methods of investigative journalism
2. Level 2 (Proficient) research for an investigative/research piece

MATERIALS NEEDED

1. Investigative Reporting PowerPoint Day 1
2. Investigative Reporting Planner

VERIFICATION

Steps to check for student understanding

1. Teacher will do frequent comprehension checks in the form of Classroom Assessment Techniques (thumbs up, thumbs down; exit slip in the form of post-it note summary).
2. Students will submit their “article” for assessment.   

FLOW OF LESSON

1. Suggested bell ringer: Tell me something about this school that raises your suspicions… what is something that you want to investigate?
2. Teacher will present PowerPoint.
3. Teacher will distribute the Investigative Reporting Planner.
4. Students will work independently to research and write their article.
5. Teacher should give students time in class to get through the planning portion of the article. This will provide students with the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification if they have issues. 
   

WRAPPING IT UP

1. Exit slip: No exit slip for this lesson. Allow the students to continue writing.