Central High School

Each month, the PXU Database Promotion Team explores a new database as a valuable resource for the classroom.

NewsBank can be a powerful classroom tool across multiple subjects. Here are some key applications:

📚 English & Language Arts

• Argumentative writing prompts using real-world issues.

• Media literacy lessons comparing sources and identifying bias.

🌍 Social Studies & History

• Primary source analysis from local and global perspectives.

• Civics education using reports on government, policy, and international affairs.

🧠 Critical Thinking & Discussion

• Evaluating sources and recognizing misinformation.

PXU Libraries has trial access to the following collections through July. These resources are especially useful for Culturally Relevant – Chicanx Lit, African American Lit,  and Native American Lit. If you'd like permanent access, please contact your PXU librarian.

• Indigenous Life in America: the experience and impact of Indigenous Americans as recorded by the news media.

• Asian Life in America: the experience and impact of Asian Americans as recorded by the news media.

• Hispanic Life in America: The experience and impact of Hispanic Americans as recorded by the news media.

• Black Life in America: The experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media.

Lesson Plan: Analyzing Current Events Using NewsBank

Grade Level: 9–12
Subject: English Language Arts / Social Studies
Duration: 1–2 class periods (50 minutes each)
Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-12.1 (Cite strong textual evidence)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-12.7 (Conduct research projects)

• ISTE Standard 3: Knowledge Constructor (Critically curate resources)

Objective:

Students will use the NewsBank database to research a current event topic, evaluate sources for credibility and bias, and present findings in a short written or verbal summary.

Materials Needed:

• Access to computers or tablets

• Access to the NewsBank database

• Projector/Smartboard

• NewsBank Topic Finder or A–Z Source List

• Graphic organizer (for source comparison and analysis)

Lesson Steps:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Introduce NewsBank: what it is, what it offers, and how it supports research.

• Brief demo: Show students how to log in, search by topic, and filter results.

• Discuss what makes a source credible and how to spot bias.

2. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

• Choose a topic as a class (e.g., climate change, social justice, international conflict).

• As a group, search NewsBank and review a couple of articles together.

• Fill in a graphic organizer comparing perspectives, source types, and tone.

3. Independent or Group Work (20–30 minutes)

• Students choose their own current event topic or are assigned one.

• Using NewsBank, they find 2–3 articles from different regions or perspectives.

• Fill in the organizer or worksheet to evaluate:

  • Source origin (local, national, international)

  • Tone and perspective

  • Key facts and biases

4. Wrap-Up / Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

• Students write a brief reflection or summary:

  • “What did I learn about this issue?”

  • “How did the different sources shape my understanding?”

  • “What questions do I still have?”

Assessment:

• Completed graphic organizer or worksheet

• Short written summary or class discussion participation

• Optional: Turn this into a presentation or written report later

Extensions:

• Host a debate using the researched articles

• Compare NewsBank articles to social media coverage on the same topic

• Incorporate into a larger research paper or persuasive essay

PXU Teacher-Librarians specialize in developing engaging lesson plans for educators. Contact your PXU Librarian to schedule library research sessions. Thank you, and have a wonderful day!