Women Olympians have come a long way since 1900 when 22 women competed for the first time. News coverage of the Olympics has also changed dramatically. What has been slow to change, however, is the language used in the coverage of female athletes. Groups investigate examples of sexism and stereotyping in the coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics and share their findings with the class.

Concepts

the olympics, olympic athletes, the olympic games, stereotypes, sexism, media bias, media coverage, news media

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups investigate the percentage of female athletes in the most recent Olympic games
• In addition, have them track commentary that seems sexist

Classroom Considerations

• The data presented in the lesson is from the 2016 Olympic summer games
• Requires copies of included materials

Pros

• Includes a vocabulary list of important terms learners need to know

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.R.7 CCRA.SL.1 CCRA.SL.2 CCRA.L.4