Sixth graders learn how social media algorithms choose what appears in their feed — usually to keep them watching — and how that can create an “echo chamber” where they only see views they already agree with. The fix: seek out varied, trustworthy sources.
Students will be able to…
Why does your feed show you certain posts? An algorithm decides — and it can trap you in an echo chamber. How does it work?
Project each item and have students answer about social media algorithms and echo chambers.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
Why does your feed show certain posts? An algorithm decides — how?
Students explore.
Students practice.
Students apply.
Students close.
Aligned to the Common Core ELA Standards (informational literacy) & NAMLE media-literacy competencies.
Determine author’s purpose.
Interpret info in media.
Understand media systems.
Evaluate claims & reasoning.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students explain how an algorithm can create an echo chamber and one way to break out of it. A printable algorithms sheet is in the ELA library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.