Fact Finders
Investigative Journalism For Kids
In a world of ever-changing hot topics, timely buzzwords and unlimited access to information, the sky is the limit for our children to lead us into the future through the power of the written word! Project LEAD’s Fact Finders: Investigative Journalism For Kids curriculum is an immersive workshop experience in which students become Investigative Journalists who are empowered with the essential tools to find the truth in a story, and to tell that story in an objective and effective way.
From their very first moments as a Fact Finder, students actively learn how to interview sources, delve into topics that they care about, analyze information that is readily available to the public, differentiate between credible and non-credible sources, develop hypotheses based on what they know, choose intriguing graphics and images to support their story, keep organized records and notes, develop an angle, follow a lead, and identify the differences between objective and subjective stories.
Over the course of the Fact Finders curriculum, each student will write their own investigative stories on age appropriate topics of their choice that will be included in their special edition Project LEAD Fact Finders’ Newspaper. Students will also walk away with valuable skills in researching, interviewing, analyzing informational texts, writing informational stories, editing & revising, supporting statements with evidence, seeking out credible sources, and presenting content in a compelling manner. These skills are directly reinforcing students’ education through the exciting and empowering medium of Investigative Journalism – opening doors to the many future opportunities for our LEADers who develop a love of the written word.
Fact Finders is an experiential learning curriculum that incorporates exciting skills-games, hands-on activities, and interactive exercises to provide children with a firsthand experience in the field of Investigative Journalism. Whether a child is interested in exploring and writing about access to free books, anti-bullying efforts, environmental resolutions, local community gardens, after school class opportunities, the benefits of having a pet, fruit and vegetable costs, recycling bins in public places, or any other relevant topics, they will learn to do so in a diplomatic and objective way.
Current Phase Of Fact Finders Curriculum Development
Fact Finders Curriculum Package Options
Weekly Curriculum
Elementary School
Age Range:
3rd - 5th Grade
Class Duration:
10 Weeks
Class Frequency:
Weekly
Lesson Duration:
1 Hour
Middle School
Age Range:
6th - 8th Grade
Class Duration:
10 Weeks
Class Frequency:
Weekly
Lesson Duration:
1 Hour
Day Camp Curriculum
Ages 9-12
Class Duration:
2 Weeks
Class Frequency:
Daily, Monday-Friday
Daily Duration:
9am-3pm, or 6 hours total
Ages 12-16
Class Duration:
2 Weeks
Class Frequency:
Daily, Monday-Friday
Daily Duration:
9am-3pm, or 6 hours total
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.5
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.8
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.A, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2.A
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.B, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.B
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.5
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.