Algorithm Lesson PlanAlgorithms on Social Media Lesson Plan • Tier 1 Instruction 15 Minutes Learning Objective Students will understand the basic mechanics of social media algorithms, identify how their own behavior influences content curation, and reflect on the societal implications of "echo chambers." Why This Matters In a digital-first world, high schoolers spend significant time in environments curated by unseen code. Developing critical media literacy helps them become conscious consumers rather than passive targets of engagement-driven design. Materials Digital Echo Slides Feed Logic Reading Algorithm Talk Cards Poll Power Cards Instructional Sequence 4m Part 1: The Invisible Curator (Intro & Poll) Greet & Hook: Ask students: "Who decided what you saw first on your phone this morning?" Poll Activity: Use the Poll Power Cards to gauge awareness. Ask: "Do you know how social media decides which posts you see?" (A: Yes, clearly; B: I have a guess; C: No idea). Definition: Briefly define an algorithm as a set of rules used to solve a problem or accomplish a task (in this case, maximizing engagement). 7m Part 2: Cracking the Code (Reading & Activity) Reading: Distribute the Feed Logic Reading. Give students 3 minutes for a silent read. Mental Model: Ask students to underline the "Inputs" (likes, shares, time) mentioned in the text. Reflection: Direct students to the prompt at the bottom: "How does your scrolling habit change what your friend sees?" 4m Part 3: Echoes & Effects (Discussion) Facilitate: Use the Algorithm Talk Cards to prompt reflection. Key Concept: Ensure the term "Echo Chamber" is discussed. Ask: "If you only see what you like, what are you missing?" Closing: Encourage students to "break the algorithm" tonight by interacting with something outside their usual bubble. Facilitation Tip High schoolers are often very aware they are being targeted but might not understand the "Engagement Loop" (how platforms monetize their time). Pivot the discussion toward *agency*—remind them they can train their algorithm by being mindful of what they click.
Digital Echo SlidesDigital Echo The Algorithm Unmasked How social media platforms decide what you see, think, and share. Live Poll Do you know how social media decides which posts show up in your feed? A I know exactly how it works. B I have a general idea. C I have no clue—it's just magic. What is an Algorithm? A set of rules or instructions given to a computer to accomplish a specific task. Think of it like a recipe for a computer: Inputs → Process → Output. Digital Signals The Ultimate Goal Engagement Social media platforms want you to stay on the app for as long as possible. Keep Scrolling More time = more ads seen. Drive Clicks Likes and shares boost "viral" content. Learn You Every second spent on a video is data. The Echo Chamber Critical Awareness What happens? The algorithm shows you content that matches your existing beliefs. The Result Fewer differing viewpoints Reinforcement of biases Harder to spot misinformation "If you're not paying for the product, YOU are the product."
Feed Logic ReadingFeed Logic Decoding the Social Media Algorithm REF_ID: ALGO_HS_01 DATE: 01.17.26 User Name: Timestamp: What is an Algorithm? In its simplest form, an algorithm is a set of rules or instructions given to a computer to help it accomplish a task. On social media platforms, these rules are designed to analyze your behavior to decide exactly which content—and in what order—should appear in your feed. How Do They Work? Social media algorithms don't show you everything chronologically. Instead, they look at thousands of data points to predict what you will find most engaging. Interactions Posts you like, share, comment on, or save. Watch Time Even if you don't "like," the time you spend hovering on a post counts. Search History What you look for on and off the platform. Connections Content from people you interact with most frequently. The Double-Edged Sword The Benefit Algorithms filter out noise. They show you content you actually care about, hobbies you love, and news from friends, making the platform feel personal and enjoyable. The "Echo Chamber" By only showing you what you already like, algorithms can limit your exposure to diverse viewpoints. This creates an echo chamber where your own biases are constantly reinforced. System Check Think about your behavior on social media today. How might your scrolling habits change what your friend sees tomorrow? Critical Task: Underline three "data points" the text mentions that algorithms use to learn about you. Break the Loop Algorithms aren't destiny. Your choice to scroll past or click is the primary input. Quick Reflection: My Digital Footprint Briefly describe one time you noticed your "feed" change because of something you searched for or clicked on:
Algorithm Talk CardsAlgorithm Talk Cards Facilitation Guide • Discussion Prompts Teacher Resource How to use: These cards are designed to facilitate a quick 4-minute wrap-up discussion. You can display these on a screen or use them as a script. Each card includes a primary question and a teacher prompt to deepen the conversation. Question 01 How do you think social media algorithms decide what content to show you? Teacher Prompt: "Think back to the data points we discussed (likes, shares, time spent). If you spend 10 minutes looking at sneakers but never 'like' a post, will the algorithm still show you more sneakers? Why or why not?" Question 02 What are some benefits and drawbacks of these algorithms? Teacher Prompt: "Guide students to weigh the convenience of personalization against the risk of 'echo chambers.' Ask: 'Is it better to see exactly what you like, or is it dangerous to never see anything different?'" Question 03 Have you ever noticed your social media feed changing based on what you interact with? Teacher Prompt: "Encourage a few personal anecdotes. For example: 'Have you ever talked about a product near your phone and then saw an ad for it? How did that make you feel—impressed or creeped out?'" Encourage students to use the term "Echo Chamber" in their responses. ALGO-DISCUSSION-PACK
Poll Power CardsPoll Power Digital Echo A YES / CLEARLY Poll Power Digital Echo B I HAVE A GUESS Poll Power Digital Echo C NO IDEA
