What your child will learn
Identify clickbait headline characteristics: emotional language, ALL CAPS, exaggerated claims
Evaluate source credibility by checking author name, publication, and website domain
Apply lateral reading: check multiple sources before accepting a claim as true
Demonstrate responsible sharing by verifying information before reposting
How this mission works
Four investigations build core media literacy skills for Grades 3-5: spot a clickbait headline using emotional trigger words, evaluate whether a source is credible by checking the author and website, apply lateral reading by comparing a wild claim against other news sources, and decide whether to share a funny-looking story that might be satire. Earn the News Detective badge.
What students actually encounter
"YOU WON'T BELIEVE What Scientists Found Under the Ocean!! 🤯" — clickbait or real news?
Your classmate heard that your school is closing forever because of a spider infestation — one website said so.
Cipher is with them the whole way
When a student gets stuck on Fact or Fake: News Detective, Cipher appears with a mission-specific nudge — no spoilers, just a hint toward the right thinking. Make a wrong choice, and Cipher explains the real-world consequence. Finish the mission, and Cipher generates a personalized performance debrief based on exactly how the student played it.
ISTE alignment
Students manage their digital footprint responsibly by verifying information before sharing; critically evaluate the authenticity and credibility of digital sources using lateral reading techniques.