The story of source reliability: Practicing research and evaluation skills using “the story of stuff” video

Abstract

Recent increases in reliance on simple Internet searches for quick access to information and the general expectation that reliable information can be easily acquired have confounded student development of skills in determining source credibility. This is of particular concern within environmental science and sustainability studies because the polarizing nature of many related topics has yielded a plethora of inaccurate, biased, and even falsified web sources that students may find confusing. "The Story of Stuff," a popular web-based video, provides an exemplary case study for students to practice assessing source reliability and differentiating between informative and persuasive sources. In this lesson, students watch, critique, and discuss the "Story of Stuff." In an optional activity, students investigate the validity of a claim in the video, analyze their research sources, and present their findings to the class. After completing the lesson, students should be able to (1) determine the reliability of a potential source of information, (2) distinguish between persuasive and informative sources, and (3) be able to express the importance of using credible sources to inform one’s opinions.