Let’s talk conspiracy theories….

If you’re looking for a lesson idea based on compelling conspiracy theories, you might want to try the conspiracy cards  I created. 

These cards are just a little sample of a bigger project I’m thinking of, please let me know if you’d like me to create more of these! 

Just to give you an idea- this is the general idea behind the cards together with some extension activities (all of these included in the sample I linked above:) 

CONSPIRACIES AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES cards:

General info- conspiracy theories, confirmed conspiracies

Primary MO:

• Guesswork and discussion in pairs: 

Students work in pairs, study and discuss the name of the conspiracy, the picture, the “turn of phrase” sentences and try to guess what the conspiracy is about, has it really happened, where, when etc

• News article (Extra) 

Creating a news article on one of the titles- written or as part of a news bulletin

• Reading, retelling and discussion

Student 1 reads the conspiracy description and retells it to their partner, using as much of the language from ‘turn of phrase’ as possible.

Student 2 then discusses how close they were in their guesswork and discussion and shares their opinion why so

• Food for thought: Essay/ debate statement

Students are given a statement to produce their opinion on, be it in writing, as a speech or a debate. 

OTHER LESSON PLAN/ EXTENSION IDEAS: 

The cards will be accompanied with an activity bank with extension ideas for projects, roleplays or writing tasks.

eg. for card 1

Speaking- Roleplay:

Student A: Imagine you’re to interview someone, whose relative/ friend has spent 2 years in a cult. 

Student B: You have spent 2 years in cult. Tell the interviewer about your experience.

Writing- Narrative: Write a story with a spy in it.

Research Project/ Presentation:

Study the data regarding religions in the US in the 21st century. Present the most important findings and name one or two trends. 

eg. for card 2:

Speaking - Debate:

Student A: You are a representative of the World Economic Forum defending the Great Reset initiative as a necessary framework for post-pandemic recovery.
Student B: You are a skeptical journalist who has concerns about the concentration of power in global institutions and the implications for national sovereignty.

Writing - Opinion Piece:

Write an opinion article for a major newspaper either supporting or criticizing the idea that global crises (like pandemics or climate change) require coordinated global responses. Address potential benefits and risks of international cooperation on this scale.

Research Project/Presentation:

Investigate how economic crises throughout history (Great Depression, 2008 Financial Crisis, etc.) have spawned conspiracy theories. Present your findings on patterns in these theories and what psychological or social needs they fulfill during times of economic uncertainty.