OBJECTIVES

In this lesson, students will:

• Define “dark money” and identify its impact on elections
• Analyze how media is used in the service of dark money-funded campaigns and how it was used in the film to shine a spotlight on them
• Practice critical media literacy skills in analyzing election materials and news coverage of them
• Investigate candidate funding in an upcoming election in their community and write letters to the local candidates expressing their support and/or concerns.

GRADE LEVELS:10–12

SUBJECT AREAS

Civics, History, Social Studies, ELA, Speech and Debate

MATERIALS

● Internet access and equipment to watch film clips from Dark Money

● Access to the Internet and/or local newspapers to analyze current and past campaign materials (physical mailers, digital and print advertisements)

ESTIMATED TIME NEEDED

Two class periods plus time for any extension activities and homework