Media Literacy: Consumer Awareness Lesson - Shrinking Products

All prices are in Canadian dollars.

Total Pages: 25 pages
Answer Key: Included
Teaching Duration: 90 minutes
File Size: 5 MB
File Type: Zip

Are your students aware that some of their favourite products are getting smaller while the prices stay the same - or even go up? In this engaging media literacy and consumer awareness lesson, students will examine the concept of "shrinkflation" and how product packaging has changed over time to subtly influence consumer perception.

Perfect for Grades 6–8, this lesson connects real-world consumer experiences to key curriculum goals in media literacy and financial literacy, helping students become smart, informed shoppers.

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What's Included:

• 1 complete Media Literacy & Consumer Awareness Lesson Plan
• Comprehension Questions + Answer Key
• Journal Entry Assessment (4 differentiated options)
• Video Quiz + Answer Key
• Extend Your Learning Assignment
• Google Slides™ Graphic Organizers
• Individual PDFs for Google Classroom™ and digital learning
• Assessment Rubrics (Levels or Points)
• Available in both PDF and Google Slides™ formats

Get the Best Value – Grab the Full Media Literacy Bundle!

Unlock all 11 engaging and ready-to-use lessons that dive into consumer awareness, digital literacy, and advertising strategies – all designed to connect with your middle school students in meaningful, real-world ways.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Consumer Awareness
• Understanding Shrinkflation and Product Downsizing
• Analyzing Marketing Tactics
• Evaluating Value for Money
• Developing Media Literacy & Smart Consumer Habits

Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction to Consumer Awareness
2. Video Comprehension Questions + Answer Key
3. Journal Entry Assessment
4. Quiz + Answer Key
5. Extend Your Learning Assignment

Perfect For:

• Media Literacy & Consumer Education Units
• Financial Literacy Lessons (Grades 6–8)
• Economics or Math Connections (Price per Unit)
• Sub Plans and Real-World Learning Projects
• Homeschool Curriculum

Why Teachers Love This Lesson:

• Relatable & Eye-Opening: Students love discovering how everyday products are shrinking.
• Critical Thinking in Action: Promotes thoughtful discussion around marketing, fairness, and spending.
• No Prep Needed: Includes all materials - a quiz, graphic organizers, rubrics, journal prompts, and answer keys.
• Flexible Formats: Easy to use in both print and digital classrooms.
• Curriculum-Connected: Supports media literacy, consumer awareness and financial literacy goals.

Teacher Feedback:

1. “Absolutely loved this lesson. Students were engaged and easy to leave for a sub.”
2. “Media Literacy is now my favorite thing to teach since finding these engaging videos and activities!!”
3. “This was insightful and easy for my students to understand.  It was a nice addition to our consumer study.”

This resource is a great way to start meaningful conversations around pricing, product packaging, and marketing strategies. Students will learn to spot shrinkflation, analyze product labels, and become more informed, value-conscious consumers.

Resource Notes:

• Regular, reliable internet access is required for this resource. 
• The internet must be able to access online video sources.