The teacher plays the character. Students ask the questions. This is the most engaging journalism activity in the bundle — and the one students talk about weeks later. Four fully developed press conference scenarios, each a complete standalone packet. Pick one or run all four across the unit. No two are alike in tone, stakes, or journalism challenge. The four scenarios: Mayor Sandra Reyes — City Council President Derek Hollis has been arrested on 14 counts of embezzlement.
See it on Teachers Pay Teachers — $7.20
$847,000 missing from the city's infrastructure fund. The mayor appointed him to chair the Budget Committee 18 months ago. Coach Marcus Webb — The Millbrook High Wolves just lost their regional semifinal 67-54. Star player Darius Monroe left in the second quarter with a knee injury. There are rumors of a halftime blowup. Dr. Patricia Chen, Public Health Director — 23 confirmed measles cases in Millbrook County. The cluster traced to a school with 71% vaccination coverage.
A local Facebook group with 4,200 members is claiming the MMR vaccine caused the outbreak. Jordan Vale, Musician — Third album dropping Friday. Left her label eight months ago to go independent. Former co-writer publicly posted that she stole two songs on the new record. Each scenario includes: Student briefing sheet with confirmed facts, background, and key questions to consider Social media rumor set — 3 posts per scenario, graduated from credible-ish to conspiracy-level junk, each with a source credibility note so students evaluate before asking Teacher character guide — opening statement (ready to read aloud), talking points, deflection scripts, full two-column question/response table Optional breaking point — a moment the teacher can trigger only if students ask exactly the right follow-up question Walkout protocol — with debrief prompts for when a question crosses a line Hard news writing assignment — custom per scenario with journalism-specific guidance The social media rumor sets teach source evaluation as ajournalism practice, not a separate lesson. Students learn that citing a Reddit post in a question will end a press conference fast. Part of the Interview Techniques Bundle — a complete 3-week journalism unit.
Works as a standalone activity.
Designed for grades 8th – 12th.
Starmaker English and Journalism Tools 
Leave a comment