Social Media Curriculum - KS3

A bespoke curriculum for KS3 on the topic Social Media.

The unit contains 4 lesson plans (each lesson available in 15 minute, 30 minute or 60 minute format).
Each lesson begins with a short 3-5 minute film to engage in the topic and then explores a range of questions and discussion points, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and empathy skills.

Lessons contain a range of multi-media resources to support learning ideas and contain clear instructions to guide through the lesson.

Lessons have been designed to complement SMSC learning objectives and match core National Curriculum PSHE specifications in value-based learning. Focused on tolerance, respect and global citizenship, lessons allow students to explore their own opinions and values, make connections to those around them and practice listening and empathic engagement.

QUESTIONS EXPLORED
• How has social media changed the way we interact with each other?
• Are we becoming more or less social as technology allows us to make friends all over the world?
• Is technological connection allowing us to feel more connected?
• What is the ‘filter bubble’ and how is it affecting our understanding of the world?
• Are ‘fake news’ and algorithmic conditioning something that we can prevent?
• Is social media a tool that we can learn to use rather than depend upon?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Each lesson starts with a short film which serves as the platform for the lesson’s discussions, allowing students to engage firstly with the ideas raised in the film and then develop insight and engagement in the topic. Students will practise skills of critical thinking & questioning, deep listening and empathy building. Lessons will explore the pros and cons of global connectivity through social media, examining the human and environmental impact of this growing technology. Students will examine the changing nature of connection in a modern world, learning to question and engage in a range of connections that we are forming through our use of social media.

Watch a short video introduction to the unit here: