K-12 US · K–2
Crowdsourced Investigations for Grades K–2
This guide helps US primary classrooms teach crowdsourced investigations with clear objectives and classroom-ready activities. Collaborative online sleuthing risks. Use short texts, picture prompts, and guided discussion. Keep vocabulary concrete and revisit the same media literacy habits weekly. Use it to plan a single lesson or a short unit arc in K–2 — then explore how Split a Cookie (SaC) modules reduce prep time for teachers and substitutes.
Last reviewed 2026-07-05
Learning objectives
- In Grades K–2, students use simple words to describe core concepts of crowdsourced investigations with classroom examples — aligned with crowdsourced investigations instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students apply crowdsourced investigations skills to age-appropriate texts and media — aligned with crowdsourced investigations instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students reflect on how crowdsourced investigations supports responsible citizenship — aligned with crowdsourced investigations instruction in primary classrooms.
Classroom activities
- Use picture cards to sort "helpful" vs. "needs checking" sources after a read-aloud connected to crowdsourced investigations.
- Open with a 5-minute "Crowdsourced Investigations" warm-up using a short age-appropriate clip or headline, then chart student questions on the board.
- Run a paired source comparison: give primary classrooms two short texts on the same event and ask which is more trustworthy and why.
- Send home a one-sentence family prompt: ask an adult how they check news on their phone.
SaC curriculum fit
SaC's digital literacy track includes modules that reinforce crowdsourced investigations through Split-Level handouts and facilitator-ready Navigator's Guides.
Standards alignment note
Districts across the United States align Grades K–2 media literacy instruction to state ELA, social studies, and library standards. SaC resources support local adoption — they do not replace state-specific scope and sequence requirements. Review your state framework when mapping K–2 outcomes.
Related resources
Other grade bands — Crowdsourced Investigations