Rumors, Hoaxes, and Cons -- Oh My!
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CLICK & PRINT THIS! Students' Answer Sheet for the Cyberhunt
Print out this documement and use it to record responses. -
How Much Do You Know?
(slide show) Take this pre-test to see how well you can tell truth from fiction! -
1. What is a hoax?
Read all of the definitions and then paraphrase an answer. -
2. Where does the word hoax come from?
Read the page and paraphrase your answer. -
3. Is there evidence that fairies are real?
Examine the evidence provided here and scroll down to read the update. -
4. Chain letters are illegal if money is involved. Describe a chain letter and how it works.
Rewrite the definition in your own words. -
5. What are the 3 parts of a chain letter hoax?
Read the text to find the 3 parts, and use <b>your own words</b> to explain each one. -
6. Name AND explain the 3 types of rumors
For each type you list, explain the characteristics in your own words. -
7. What is the difference between a rumor and an urban legend?
Read the information carefully and paraphrase your answer. -
8. List three unusual exhibits you can see at the Museum of Hoaxes.
Read the text and pick out three interesting exhibits at the museum. -
9. What are 4 of the 9 characteristics of an urban legend?
Scroll down to the bulleted text to find the answer -
10. According to this chain letter, how much money will you receive if you follow the directions?
Find out how an illegal <i>Pyramid Scheme</i> works. <b>Hint:</b> The answer is the last dollar amount stated in the email! -
11. What are 5 dead giveaways that a story is an urban legend?
Scroll down to find the boxed area that contains the answer -
12. In the Great White Shark hoax email, list 2 reasons we know it's a hoax
Read the entire page and then find 2 good reasons we know it's a fake photo. -
13. What does a French tote bag say about the company's president?
Believe it or not, this is a true fact! -
14. What are the top 5 urban legends this week?
This site updates frequently. What are the current top 5? -
15. Pick an urban legend and describe it.
Choose an interesting urban legend (appropriate for school) to share with the class -
READ THIS: The power of email
One class did a project to record the number of emails a chain letter would generate. -
(For fun) Image Quiz: Is it Real or Is It Fake?
Is it easy to spot a hoax? -
(For fun) Is it a real photo or a computer graphic?
Take this visual quiz. You'll see how hard it is to spot a fake! -
Check out this new phone!
It has everything, even an electric shaver & harmonica! -
Do you have it all?
and are you STILL not happy?
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Extra #1: What should you do with chain email?
You'll need to scroll down to find at least 3 things you should do when you receive chain mail. -
Extra #2: What about cyber romances?
In the section <i>Cyber Romances,</i> 13 warnings are used as subheads in bold type. List 5 you think are most important. -
Extra #3: Explain what is meant by a Trojan Horse and how it relates to spam.
Watch the first few slides in this presentation (w/ headphones). Describe how <i>Trojan Horse</i> relates to email. -
CLASS CHALLENGE: Who owns a fish?
Use logic to solve the mystery: Who was the hacker?
