To enhance 6th grade students' skills as consumers in buying an electronic toy, what should a teacher prompt students to do?

The best choice is to prompt students to compare descriptions of the toy from the manufacturer's website with reviews by objective reviewers on other sites. This approach fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, as it encourages students to evaluate multiple sources of information before making a purchasing decision. By examining both the official product descriptions, which may highlight features and benefits, and the unbiased reviews from other consumers, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the toy's quality, effectiveness, and value. This type of analysis not only informs them about the product itself but also teaches them important consumer skills such as discerning advertising from objective evaluation, which is crucial in today’s market flooded with promotional content.

Engaging in this kind of comparison supports students in making informed decisions based on evidence rather than just marketing messages, ultimately enhancing their skills as informed consumers.