Spaghetti Trees

Worksheet Description

This April Fool’s Day worksheet recounts one of the most famous pranks in history: the Spaghetti Tree Hoax, which the BBC broadcasted in 1957. The story details how a reputable news organization fooled the public into believing that spaghetti grew on trees in Switzerland. The worksheet encourages students to draw a picture of what they imagine the prank looked like, thus integrating art with history and critical thinking.

Below the story and drawing space, the worksheet includes questions prompting students to reflect on the nature of pranks. They are asked whether they find the spaghetti tree prank amusing and whether it is appropriate for a serious news channel to engage in such April Fool’s Day antics. These questions aim to stimulate students’ critical thinking about the responsibility of the media, the impact of practical jokes, and the boundaries of humor. This exercise not only educates students about a significant event in the history of April Fool’s Day but also encourages them to form and articulate their own opinions on various aspects of humor and journalism.