Journalism Today

Chapter 9: Doing In-Depth Reporting

Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In Chapter 9 students began to explore in-depth reporting. In this activity they will visit the Web site of Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. (IRE) to discover more about the organization and its functions and resources.

Lesson Description
In this activity students will explore the IRE Web site.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will become familiar with the mission and functions of the IRE.


2. Students will be able to find reporting resources using the IRE's Web site.


3. Students will become aware of FOIA.


4. Students will be able to navigate a Web site effectively.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Answer: "The mission of Investigative Reporters and Editors is to foster excellence in investigative journalism, which is essential to a free society." They accomplish their mission by "providing training, resources and a community of support to investigative journalists; promoting high professional standards; protecting the rights of investigative journalists; and ensuring the future of IRE."


2. Answer: “Dawn Fallik, a panelist for the computer-assisted reporting conference in 2000, lists Web sites for researching transportation including crash and accident data, trucking, hazardous materials, airlines, railroads, school bus safety and FAA.”


3. Answer: "Gov. Bill Janklow's pardons & commutations," (Sioux Falls, S.D.) Argus Leader, David Kranz, Stu Whitney, Terry Woster, Jon Walker and Patrick Lalley


4. Answer: Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri at Columbia.

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