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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can identify whether a data source is reliable.

Key learning points

  1. Some sources are more reliable than others.
  2. Reliable data is more trustworthy.
  3. Using unreliable data can lead to incorrect conclusions.

Keywords

  • Reliable - can be trusted because it is accurate and consistent

  • Trust - believing that something is true or correct

Common misconception

All data sources are equally reliable.

Some sources are more reliable because they are accurate and trustworthy.

Teacher tip

Discuss different kinds of less reliable data, such as social media, and explain how rumours can spread.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a data source?

Correct answer: a zookeeper log
a feeling
a colour

Q2.
Which sentence is a recorded fact?

I hope Ruby is safe.
Correct answer: Ruby was seen at 10.00.
Ruby looks worried.

Q3.
Which data would help answer the question: 'When was Ruby last seen?'

a weather report
a cafe menu
a visitor's opinion
Correct answer: a zookeeper log

Q4.
Why is relevant data important?

because it is interesting
Correct answer: because it helps answer the question being asked
because it is colourful

4 Questions

Q1.
Match each definition to its meaning.

Correct Answer:reliable,can be trusted because it is accurate and consistent

can be trusted because it is accurate and consistent

Correct Answer:trust,believing that something is true or correct

believing that something is true or correct

Correct Answer:relevant,useful for answering the question being asked

useful for answering the question being asked

Q2.
Which of the following best describes a reliable source?

something that is interesting
something that is funny
Correct answer: something that is recorded carefully and checked
something that is exciting

Q3.
Which source is the most trustworthy?

Correct answer: a zookeeper log
a visitor rumour
a guess

Q4.
Which question could help you decide if a source is reliable?

Is it colourful?
Correct answer: Who created it?
Is it popular?
Is it interesting?

To help you plan your 3 digital literacy lesson on: Trusting data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...