Minds On
The “Fact or Fiction” game
Let’s play “Fact or Fiction?”
Explore these sentences and try to decide which are real (fact), and which are made up (fiction).
Elephants can fly.
An ant can lift 20 times it’s body weight.
Ice cream is made of cream and sugar.
Rainbows are made of candy.
Discuss your ideas out loud with a partner (if possible), or record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
Do you know which are fact and which are fiction?
Press ‘Answer’ to reveal if you chose fact or fiction correctly.
| Fact | Fiction |
|---|---|
|
Ice cream is made of cream and sugar. |
Elephants can fly. |
|
An ant can lift 20 times its body weight. |
Rainbows are made of candy. |
Action
What is fact and what is fiction?
Explore this Space Kids video entitled “Mars” to learn about the planet Mars.
Is this video fact or fiction? Why? If possible, discuss this with a partner.
When you are ready, press ‘Answer’ to reveal if it is fact or fiction.
Facts are things that are proven to be true. The information in this video were facts. They have been proven by scientists. What clues in the video helped you know that they were facts and not a made-up story?
Consider this audio clip from the book Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller.
Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller
Sophie’s Squash is the story of a young girl named Sophie who keeps a squash her mother bought to eat, and names her Bernice. After a while, her mother convinces her to put the squash in the garden because it started to get squishy. Sophie does, and in the Spring when she goes out to find Bernice, she discovers something special growing in the garden!
Is this audio clip fact or fiction? Why? If possible, discuss this with a partner.
When you are ready, press ‘Answer’ to reveal if it is fact or fiction.
This is a fiction story. One way we can tell is that there is a beginning, middle, and end. Do you think it is a good idea to keep a vegetable as a friend? What other clues did you notice that helped you decide it was fiction?
Sorting fact and fiction
Now let’s consider each statement and decide if it is FACT or FICTION.
After you have sorted the statements, think about the following questions:
- How did you make your decision?
- Did you use your background knowledge?
- If possible, share your choices with a partner. Did you have the same answers?
Consolidation
Fact or fiction – you decide…
Let’s explore two different videos. Consider each carefully and decide whether they are fact or fiction. Be sure to use what you know about fact and fiction to help you decide!
Be sure to note down the clues that helped you decide which was fiction and which was fact. Which clues helped you decide?
Complete Fact or Fiction Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Fact or Fiction Chart.
This first video is from Natalie My Mountain Home
This second video is from Camping with Catlock in Canada
Think about your learning
Why is it important to be able to know the difference between fact and fiction? Do you have other questions about fact or fiction?
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.