A 2020 Pew Research study found that 25 percent of U.S. citizens believe that it is definitely or probably true that powerful people intentionally planned the coronavirus outbreak. The political and social division sowed by conspiracy theories often makes gatherings with extended family and friends uncomfortable at best—and can tear apart families at worst.

In this lesson, students will learn what a conspiracy theory is, how people fall for them, and how to talk with family members and friends with differing views without it becoming confrontational.