Dennis Stangl tweeted the link to an interesting page concerning the Phelps/Cavic finish in the Olympic 100-meter butterfly. The page author offers information complete with images attempting to demonstrate that Cavic actually wins the race. In addition, the author produces a complicated conspiracy theory associating Phelps with corporate interests willing to rig the outcome for financial gain.
I think the page I mention might make a great starting point for an information literacy lesson. Students likely saw this race or a replay. What was their impression of the outcome? The page presents a somewhat persuasive case until it degenerates into the conspiracy theory, but even that information might be motivating for students. Are there other online resources that would refute the information presented by the author? Who is the author anyway and what are his/her credentials? Could the images be real? Can you locate other online images that appear to support a different conclusion?
