Planet America is a weekly Australian current affairs program, broadcast by the ABC and co-hosted by John Barron and Chas Licciardello. The show offers a distinctive Australian lens on American politics and society, combining news analysis, interviews with experts, and a dose of sharp political humor. It has become a well-regarded source for audiences interested in U.S. political dynamics, and is freely available on ABC’s YouTube channel, making it accessible for educational use globally.
The episode used in this lesson covers a wide range of timely and complex issues in U.S. politics and public life—from economic policies and Big Tech’s complicated relationship with government, to questions about public health leadership and the politicization of vaccines. By analyzing this media piece, students are invited to unpack how economic decisions, public messaging, and political leadership intersect and shape public discourse.
Topics Covered in the Episode
- Trump’s shifting trade policy – updates on tariffs and trade negotiations.
- Economic consequences of resource scarcity – explained by Professor Justin Wolfers.
- Big Tech and government – how Facebook, Google, and Amazon interact with Trump-era policy.
- Casey Means’ nomination as Surgeon General – examining the credibility of influencers in key public health roles.
- Health Secretary RFK Jr.’s congressional clashes – vaccine skepticism and staff cuts.
- Measles resurgence and public health communication – with commentary from Dr. Peter Hotez.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and explain key political, economic, and public health issues in contemporary U.S. society.
- Analyze the role of media in shaping public understanding of these issues.
- Critically evaluate the credibility of public figures and institutions.
- Formulate evidence-based arguments on controversial or complex issues.
- Apply media literacy skills to distinguish between reliable and biased information
Lesson Activities
1. Pre-Viewing Activity: Framing the Issues
Students are introduced to the six major topics addressed in the episode. In small groups or pairs, they:
- Predict which topic will be the most controversial or surprising.
- Identify which issue they are least familiar with.
- Share thoughts with the class to activate prior knowledge.
2. Viewing the Episode
Students watch the episode as a class, taking notes on:
- Key facts or claims made in each segment.
- Names and roles of individuals discussed.
- Any moments where media bias, humor, or framing choices are evident.
3. Group Exploration
Students are divided into six groups. Each group is assigned one of the episode’s topics and asked to:
- Summarize the issue as presented in the episode.
- Conduct brief additional research on the topic using external news or academic sources.
- Identify different perspectives or possible biases in how the issue is reported.
- Prepare a short, informal presentation for the class.
4. Class Discussion
Each group presents their findings and a discussion question to the class. Open class discussion follows, facilitated by the teacher, with prompts such as:
- How do personal credibility and background shape public trust in officials?
- Should wellness influencers hold public health roles?
- How do economic metaphors (like doll and pencil rations) help or hinder public understanding of complex issues?
5. Independent Writing Task: Analytical Essay
Prompt: Choose one or two of the topics discussed in the Planet America episode. Write an essay analyzing how these issues are portrayed in the media, what implications they have for public trust and policy, and your own view based on evidence and critical thought.
Expectations:
- Reference the Planet America episode as a primary source.
- Include at least two credible secondary sources.
- Use structured argumentation and a clear position.
Assessment Criteria
-
Content Understanding: Accurate and thorough analysis of the chosen topic(s).
-
Critical Thinking: Ability to evaluate sources, perspectives, and arguments.
-
Communication: Clarity of writing and logical structure.
-
Research Skills: Use of relevant and credible supporting evidence.
Extension Opportunities
-
Students create a short media segment (video, podcast, or article) that mimics Planet America’s style, summarizing one of the issues for a student audience.