What it shows
Forwarded claims are checked with a three-step method: who says it, when, and what do reliable sources say. It teaches how to stop false information from spreading.
The science
False information spreads because it is surprising or emotional and people forward it quickly. A claim is more believable when it names a source you can find, has a date that fits, and the same fact is reported by several independent, reliable places. Photos may be old, edited or from a different event, and a reverse image search can show where a picture first appeared.
Materials
Cost: free. Many items come from home or from waste; spare parts such as LEDs, motors and wire are in the store.
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A browser and the websites of established newspapers, a government health or science department and recognised fact-checking organisations
- Five forwarded messages or claims from family groups (copy the text, remove names and numbers)
- A notebook and a pencil
Safety
For this project: Do not click links inside suspicious messages, and never forward a message you have not checked. Remove personal details before sharing any text in class.
Never use mains electricity: power models with cells, batteries or a low-voltage adapter. Sharp and hot tools, flames and lab chemicals need an adult or your teacher beside you. Keep magnets, button cells and small parts away from young children, and wash your hands after making.
All the safety rulesStep by step
8 steps. Do them in order, and test each part before you go on to the next. Write what you notice in a notebook as you go.
Collect five forwarded claims, such as a home remedy, a warning, or a shocking photo, and write each at the top of a table row without the sender’s name.
Add columns Who says it, Date, Other sources, Evidence, Verdict.
For each claim look for a named source and date; mark Missing if there is none.
Search for the main words of the claim plus the word fact check and see what reliable newspapers or fact-checking sites report.
For photos, use a reverse image search (upload or paste the picture in a search engine’s image search) to find the first date it appeared.
Decide a verdict for each: True, False, Misleading or Cannot tell, and write one sentence of evidence.
Count how many of the five were false or misleading and what feeling each tried to raise, such as fear or anger.
Make a one-page guide called Pause, Check, Then Share and give it to your family group.
What you should see
A checked table of five claims with verdicts and evidence, a count of the false ones and a guide to checking messages.
Viva questions
A teacher or a judge will ask how it works. Try to answer each question before you open it, then compare.
1Why do false messages spread fast?
They are emotional or surprising so people forward them without checking.
2What are three checks for a claim?
Who says it, when, and what reliable sources say.
3How can a photo mislead?
It may be old or edited or from a different event.
4What should you do before forwarding?
Pause and check; if you cannot confirm it, do not share.
Take it further
Run a quick test: show the same claim with and without a source to classmates and see which they believe more.
Change one thing, measure what happens, and add a table or chart of your readings: that is what turns a model into your own investigation.
Free ebooks for this project
Computer & office
Computer Fundamentals Study Book
The complete study notes, practice questions and glossary for Computer Fundamentals
Computer & office
Safe UPI and Digital Payments
Pay and receive money online, and recognise the tricks fraudsters use