Developing & Using Critical Comprehension

A new approach to K-5 digital literacy: teaching kids how to think, not what to think

Cartoon character Daniel the duck drawing a picture

About DUCC

DUCC teaches K-5 students digital literacy through a combination of critical thinking skills and social-emotional learning. Join Daniel & his friends in developing & using critical comprehension with DUCC’s 24-lesson curriculum, complete with four lesson plans per grade, animated videos, online games & more!

  • Daniel the duck is thinking about hard things like the math problem 2+2=4 and a few colored calculator icons. The background is yellow with white circuit-like lines.

    Evidence-Based

    Developed with experts in K-5 education, digital & media literacy, child psychology, critical thinking & instructional design.

  • Daniel the duck is sitting at a desk in front of a computer, holding a pink erased pencil taking notes, with window and green wall in the background.

    Tested

    Pilot tested with 400 K-5 students worldwide and proven to be effective in increasing knowledge & critical thinking skills.

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  • Illustration of the Earth surrounded by AI, over a pink background with circuit-like patterns, symbolizing global digital communication.

    Standard-Aligned

    Non-partisan, relevant to students worldwide, and aligned to standards, including Common Core, ISTE, IB’s PYP, & more.

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  • Penny the pig holding a pink phone displaying a message that says 'SAVE THE WORMIES'.

    Free to Use

    Contains all materials needed, including easy-to-follow & adaptable lessons, posters, worksheets, games, videos, & more.

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Meet Daniel & Friends

Over the course of kindergarten to fifth grade, Daniel the Duck and his friends will help students develop critical thinking skills. Join our feathered & furry pals on their mission to quack down on false information using DUCC’s lesson plans, videos, and online games. 

Daniel and Friends on the Playground
  • Cartoon of Daniel the duck, a light blue duck with a big beak, standing with its hands on its hips.

    Daniel

    Daniel is DUCC’s eager-to-learn main character. He is intelligent, brave, and thoughtful. 

  • Cartoon Penny the pig with arms outstretched and a happy expression

    Penny

    Penny is one chill pig. She’s funny, deliberate, unique and peaceful. 

  • Cartoon of Ollie the owl, a green owl with wings spread wide, an orange beak, and orange feet, flying or soaring.

    Ollie

    Ollie is the playful class clown. He is excited, energetic, and eager.

  • A cartoon Bennie the bear, a purple bear waving and smiling, with a beige muzzle and inner ears.

    Bennie

    Bennie is a heartwarming character working on gaining more courage. She is careful, warm, and intelligent.

  • Cartoon Darcy the duck, a pink bird with long beak and wings, walking on two legs.

    Darcy

    Darcy is Daniel’s older sister. She is protective, confident, and outspoken.

  • A cartoon illustration of Frankie the fox, a red fox walking with eyes closed and a calm expression.

    Frankie

    Frankie is Darcy’s best friend. Frankie is extroverted and thoughtful.

  • Cartoon of Miss Lisa the librarian, a cat character wearing glasses, a red long-sleeved shirt, a blue skirt, and a brown belt, waving with one paw.

    Miss Lisa

    Miss Lisa is the school librarian who is always there to help Daniel and his friends learn!

Waddle Around & Dive into the Curriculum

  • Kindergarten

    Talking about Tech

    Daniel the duck sitting on a dark blue couch in a living room, eating a sandwich, watching television.

  • 1st Grade

    Self & Screen

    A cartoon camping scene with four animals and a campfire.

  • 2nd Grade

    Reliable Information

    Animated scene with Frankie the fox, Penny the pig, and Daniel the duck in a cafeteria with large windows about to have lunch. There is a table with an apple, a milk carton, and a plate of food in the foreground.

  • 3rd Grade

    Beliefs & Belonging

    A colorful illustration of a classroom scene with a Ollie the owl, Daniel duck, and Bennie the bear.

  • 4th Grade

    Logic & Reason

    Bennie the bear, Daniel the duck, and Ollie the owl playing soccer on a city street with colorful buildings in the background.

  • 5th Grade

    Bursting the Filter Bubble

    Bennie the bear with an open mouth and closed eyes, standing on its hind legs with its front paws crossed over its chest, against a light yellow background.
SEE THE CURRICULUM