Lesson Plan
Bias Busters Lesson Plan
Students will identify at least three types of bias in everyday scenarios and use a structured tool to analyze how bias shapes perspectives.
Recognizing bias builds critical-thinking skills, promotes fairness, and helps students consider diverse viewpoints before making judgments.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenario analysis with guided discussion.
Materials
Everyday Scenarios Cards, Bias Analysis Worksheet, and Timer or Clock
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print and cut out the Everyday Scenarios Cards.
- Print enough copies of the Bias Analysis Worksheet for the student.
- Familiarize yourself with the types of bias and the analysis prompts on the worksheet.
- Have a timer or clock ready to track each activity segment.
- Review open-ended questioning techniques to guide discussion.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome the student and explain today's lesson goal: recognizing bias in everyday situations.
- Ask the student to share an example when they felt treated unfairly.
- Introduce key bias types: stereotype bias, confirmation bias, selection bias.
- Highlight simple definitions on the Bias Analysis Worksheet.
Step 2
Activity Explanation
5 minutes
- Present the Everyday Scenarios Cards.
- Explain that each card describes a short situation; the student will identify any bias present.
- Show how to record observations in each column of the Bias Analysis Worksheet.
- Model one example: read a card, identify bias, and fill in the worksheet together.
Step 3
Scenario Analysis
15 minutes
- Have the student draw a scenario card and read it aloud.
- Ask them to identify the type(s) of bias and note their reasoning on the worksheet.
- Use probing questions: “What words or actions show this bias? Could someone else interpret it differently?”
- Repeat for at least three different cards, encouraging the student to tackle varied bias types.
- Keep each card discussion to about 4–5 minutes using the timer.
Step 4
Reflection & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Review the student’s completed analyses together.
- Ask which example surprised them most and why.
- Brainstorm simple strategies they can use to challenge or avoid bias in daily life.
- Praise their critical thinking and encourage ongoing awareness of bias.
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Slide Deck
Bias Busters
A one-on-one lesson for 6th graders to identify and analyze bias in real-life scenarios.
Welcome the student and introduce the lesson. Explain that today they’ll become “Bias Busters,” learning to spot unfair perspectives in everyday situations.
Today's Agenda
• Introduction to Bias (5 min)
• Activity Explanation & Example (5 min)
• Scenario Analysis (15 min)
• Reflection & Wrap-Up (5 min)
Briefly walk through each segment and its timing so the student knows what to expect.
What Is Bias?
Bias is a preference or prejudice that affects how we see people or events. It can lead us to make unfair judgments.
Define bias clearly. Ask the student if they’ve ever felt a judgment was unfair and encourage a quick example.
Key Bias Types
- Stereotype Bias: Assuming all members of a group act the same.
- Confirmation Bias: Noticing only evidence that supports what we already believe.
- Selection Bias: Focusing on some information while ignoring other relevant facts.
Explain each bias type and give a short, relatable example. Check for understanding before moving on.
Example Walkthrough
Scenario: A coach only praises players who score most goals, ignoring strong defenders.
Worksheet columns:
• Bias Type: Selection Bias
• Evidence: Only goal-scorers get praise
• Why It Matters: Defender efforts are overlooked
Model the analysis on the worksheet. Show how to note “Bias Type,” “Evidence,” and “Why It Matters.”
Scenario Activity
- Draw a card from Everyday Scenarios Cards.
- Read it aloud and spot any bias.
- Record your findings on the Bias Analysis Worksheet.
- Repeat for at least 3 cards (4–5 min each).
Hand over the Everyday Scenarios Cards and Bias Analysis Worksheet. Review each step before starting.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
• Which scenario surprised you most and why?
• How could someone challenge this bias?
• Name one strategy you’ll use to notice bias daily.
Use open-ended prompts to guide discussion and deepen critical thinking.
Next Steps
Keep your Bias Buster toolkit handy:
• Practice spotting bias in news, stories, and conversations.
• Talk about examples with a friend or family member.
• Remember: Recognizing bias helps you make fair, balanced decisions.
Summarize key takeaways and encourage ongoing practice. Suggest they observe examples of bias at home or school.
Worksheet
Everyday Scenarios Cards
Use these cards with the Bias Analysis Worksheet. Have the student draw one scenario at a time, read it aloud, and then record their observations on the worksheet.
Scenario 1
The school librarian never recommends adventure books to boys because she believes they prefer action movies over reading.
Scenario 2
A group of classmates assumes the new student who wears glasses must be the top math student, even before seeing any of their work.
Scenario 3
During recess, some children refuse to join a game with a peer who speaks a different language because they think they won’t be able to communicate.
Scenario 4
Sam is convinced his friend is upset with him and only notices messages or behavior that seem to confirm his worry, ignoring other friendly signs.
Scenario 5
A student blogger reads only comments supporting her opinion on the new school rule and deletes any feedback that disagrees.
Scenario 6
Jessica searches online for proof that her favorite sports team is the best and dismisses any article that ranks other teams higher.
Scenario 7
The principal conducts a school survey by only asking members of the student council for their opinions, then reports those results as if they reflect everyone’s views.
Scenario 8
In a lunchtime poll for favorite meals, only the most popular students are asked, so pizza appears to be everyone’s top choice.
Worksheet
Bias Analysis Worksheet
Use this worksheet to record your observations for each scenario. Fill in all columns for at least three different cards drawn from Everyday Scenarios Cards.
Reflection Questions
- Which scenario surprised you the most and why?
- How could someone challenge or avoid this bias in real life?
- Name one strategy you’ll use to notice bias in daily situations.