What is the difference between a conspiracy theory and a real conspiracy? Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? How easy or difficult is it to create your own conspiracy theory? How are digital media connected to the spread of conspiracy theories? And how do democratic societies actually function? These and other questions are at the heart of the REACT handbook.

The Erasmus+ project Recognising Extremism and Conspiracy Theories (REACT) was initiated to support teachers in identifying and dealing with conspiracy theories and extremist beliefs. To address this challenge, a consortium was formed consisting of one research partner and one school partner from four European countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, and Germany. The project has two central objectives: 1. the development of a questionnaire to assess the presence of extremist beliefs and conspiracy theories, and 2. the development of a curriculum and teaching‑learning materials. The present handbook represents the second of these project objectives and is intended to support teachers across different subject areas.

Based on the results of the REACT survey and the discussions within the project consortium, the project partners developed these four modules with teaching and learning activities. All modules were tested and revised by two partners in two countries – this handbook presents the final versions.

1) Crash course “Cui bono?” introduces the topic by focusing on the difference between conspiracies and conspiracy theories, why people may believe in them, and how they can be monetised.
2) “What are they up to?” enables students to create their own conspiracy theory and reflect critically on the process and appeal.
3) Materials to improve media literacy
4) Understanding democratic societies, values, and processes can help prevent extremist beliefs; the DemoCrazy game and two civic education units support this aim.