About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
- a compelling and timely question;
- related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
- extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
- student graphic organizers;
- a simple debate tool;
- a teacher's guide to the module;
- and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Can urban agriculture solve the issue of food security for city dwellers? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
As food deserts and food insecurity have become increasingly urgent issues within urban communities, many organizations and individuals have started urban farms to attempt to combat the effects of these issues. Using rooftops, vacant lots, and indoor hydroponic gardens, urban farming has sprouted in cities such as Detroit, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Austin. Can fresh agriculture trends help cities grow and turn over a new leaf?
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.
