K-12 US · K–2
Project-Based Media Inquiry for Grades K–2
This guide helps US primary classrooms teach project-based media inquiry with clear objectives and classroom-ready activities. Run multi-week projects with public final products and source logs. 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 project-based media inquiry with classroom examples — aligned with project-based media inquiry instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students apply project-based media inquiry skills to age-appropriate texts and media — aligned with project-based media inquiry instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students reflect on how project-based media inquiry supports responsible citizenship — aligned with project-based media inquiry instruction in primary classrooms.
Classroom activities
- Use picture cards to sort "helpful" vs. "needs checking" sources after a read-aloud connected to project-based media inquiry.
- Open with a 5-minute "Project-Based Media Inquiry" 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 project-based media inquiry 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 — Project-Based Media Inquiry