1-Pager
Plan
By Phase By Day Calendar
Launch
Students will launch the Truth Trail inquiry by analyzing provocative sources, practicing basic fact-checking and source analysis, setting up investigation systems, and drafting the first version of their inquiry focus for the semester portfolio and evidence-board work.
Days 1 - 6
Launch Curiosity
Students will examine provocative historical and ecological sources, notice patterns of bias and missing context, test early ideas with peers, and draft a focused investigable question about how controlled information shapes communities and environments.
Days 7 - 15
Plan Evidence Method
Students will finalize a shared investigation method for analyzing sources, fact-checking claims, and tracking framing across historical cases. They will build a usable evidence system for their notebook and team board work, test it on sample materials, improve it through peer critique, and demonstrate readiness to move into verified source collection.
Days 16 - 24
Collect Verified Sources
Students will collect, verify, and document a traceable body of evidence for their Truth Trail investigation by applying their source-evaluation protocol to historical texts, maps, timelines, and ecological records. They will organize corroborated and disputed evidence in their Investigation Notebook and draft evidence boards, refine records through peer critique, and complete a competency gate showing that each claim can be traced to credible, clearly documented sources.
Days 25 - 33
Analyze Patterns & Impact
Students will interpret patterns across their verified sources by building visual comparisons, testing emerging claims against anomalies, and tracing how persuasive messaging shaped consequences for people and ecosystems. They will use maps, timelines, annotated excerpts, partner feedback, and seminar discussion to refine evidence-based captions and portfolio entries before moving into final product development.
Days 34 - 42
Present Truth Trail
Students will finalize and communicate their investigation findings by polishing evidence boards, portfolio snapshots, and concise evidence-based captions; rehearsing a public gallery walk; using peer and partner critique to revise for clarity, accuracy, and limitations; and preparing for a community-facing Truth Trail Showcase.
Days 43 - 51
Showcase
Students will present their Truth Trail evidence boards and multimedia briefs to authentic visitors, use critique to make final public-facing revisions, complete a culminating portfolio assessment, and reflect on how their investigation of hidden motives and misinformation changed their thinking about communities, land, and evidence.
Days 52 - 56