The CHECKMATE Fact-Checking Toolkit is a practical educational resource designed to support youth workers, educators, trainers, and facilitators in addressing climate misinformation with young people. It combines fact-based content, interactive learning methods, and ready-to-use workshop activities to help participants better understand how misinformation spreads and how to critically respond to misleading narratives.

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The toolkit includes myth-versus-fact educational materials, trusted fact-checking resources, workshop facilitation guidance, and practical non-formal education activities that can be adapted to different learning environments. It supports both in-person and online learning, making it flexible for youth centres, schools, training courses, youth exchanges, and community events. 

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WHY THIS TOOLKIT?

Young people are increasingly exposed to misleading climate narratives through social media, influencers, and digital platforms. Youth workers often need practical tools to facilitate conversations around misinformation in a way that is engaging, evidence-based, and youth-friendly.

The Fact-Checking Toolkit helps because it:

• Strengthens critical thinking and media literacy skills

• Helps participants distinguish facts from misinformation and disinformation

• Encourages responsible online behaviour and evidence-based discussion

• Provides practical fact-checking tools and trusted sources

• Uses interactive and gamified methods to make learning engaging

• Supports youth workers in facilitating meaningful climate-related discussions

 

WHO IS THE TOOLKIT FOR?

The toolkit is designed for:

• Youth workers, trainers, facilitators, and educators working with young people aged 15+

• Schools, youth centres, and community organisations

• Erasmus+ training activities and youth exchanges

• Groups exploring climate action, digital literacy, or civic participation

• Young people interested in fact-checking, climate awareness, and critical media engagement

It is suitable for both introductory awareness sessions and deeper educational workshops.

 

WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS LEARN?

Through the toolkit, young people develop competences such as:

• Critical evaluation of digital content and online claims

• Understanding the difference between misinformation and disinformation

• Climate literacy and awareness of common climate myths

• Fact-checking and source verification skills

• Confidence in discussing controversial or misleading narratives

• Media literacy and responsible digital citizenship

• Communication and peer discussion skills

 

HOW THE TOOLKIT FITS INTO YOUTH WORK?

The toolkit can be used as:

• A standalone workshop resource (40–120 minutes)

• Part of longer training programmes or educational modules

• A tool for climate awareness and digital literacy sessions

• A resource for fact-checking workshops and myth-busting activities

• A method for promoting critical thinking and democratic dialogue

• A practical complement to simulation games and gamified youth learning activities