Classroom Ready · Grades 4–6

Can You Believe It?: AI Mistakes, Images, and Deepfakes

This upper-elementary lesson introduces misinformation, AI-generated images, altered media, and deepfakes without relying on frightening examples. Students learn that AI can generate convincing false information and media, and practice a source-first verification routine before believing or sharing important claims.

Media literacyDeepfakesVerification

Learning objectives

What students will explore

1. Explain that AI can produce incorrect information confidently.
2. Understand that images, audio, screenshots, and video can be generated or altered.
3. Define a deepfake in age-appropriate language.
4. Use source, context, and confirmation to evaluate suspicious media.
5. Pause before sharing content that is surprising, upsetting, or consequential.
6. Know when to involve a trusted adult.

Teacher preparation

Ready when you are

No student devices or accounts are required. Use a projector or interactive whiteboard.

No student devices, names, emails, responses, or grades are collected.