Year 9 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 4

Evaluating Online Sources for Validity and Reliability

Apply Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

True or False? Fix the false ones

Circle T or F for each statement. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly on the line below.

A page that looks slick and professional must be a trustworthy source.

Correct it:

T
F

Corroboration means checking a claim against other trusted, independent sources.

Correct it:

T
F

Because a page lists references, its claims are automatically valid.

Correct it:

T
F

A .gov.au page on a fast-moving topic can still become out of date.

Correct it:

T
F

Source to evaluate

A web page titled "5 superfoods that boost your immune system" appears on a site called wellnessglowblog.com. The article has no named author, ends with a link to buy a "$59 immunity bundle," gives no references, and carries no date. The same advice does not appear on health.gov.au.

Run the checklist

For each criterion, write what the page shows and tick whether it passes or fails.

CriterionWhat does this page show?Pass / Fail
Author and expertise
Evidence and citations
Currency
Purpose and bias
Domain and publisher
Corroboration

(a) Based on your checklist, is this page a valid and reliable source? Justify your judgement using at least two criteria.

Apply 3 marks

1. The "buy now" link is part of the purpose criterion. Explain how a commercial purpose can introduce bias that weakens a source.

Apply 2 marks

2. You want to corroborate the immune-system claim. Name one trusted Australian source you would check, and explain why it is a good choice.

Apply 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?