Bias Busters Lesson Plan Official Case File
Bias Busters
Tier 3 Intervention: Social-Emotional Learning & Critical Thinking
30 MINUTES
6th Grade • One-on-One
Objective
Students will identify at least three types of bias in everyday scenarios and use a structured tool to analyze how bias shapes perspectives.
The "Why"
Recognizing bias builds critical-thinking skills, promotes fairness, and helps students consider diverse viewpoints before making judgments.
Preparation (5 mins)
Print and cut out the Everyday Scenarios Cards .
Print copies of the Bias Analysis Worksheet .
Familiarize yourself with bias types and worksheet prompts.
Review open-ended questioning techniques.
Materials List
Everyday Scenarios Cards
Bias Analysis Worksheet
Bias Busters Slide Deck
Timer or Clock
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction
5 Minutes
Welcome the student and explain today's 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 , and selection bias .
Highlight simple definitions on the Bias Analysis Worksheet.
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.
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 cards, encouraging the student to tackle varied bias types.
Keep each card discussion to about 4–5 minutes using the timer.
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.
Bias Busters Slides BIAS BUSTERS
Investigating perspectives to find the truth in everyday situations.
Tier 3 Intervention • 6th Grade
Today's Agenda
01
Intro to Bias
5 min
02
Activity Explanation
5 min
03
Scenario Analysis
15 min
04
Reflection & Wrap-Up
5 min
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.
Unfairness
Blind Spots
Imbalance
Key Bias Types
Stereotype Bias
Assuming everyone in a group is exactly the same.
Confirmation Bias
Only noticing clues that prove what you already believe.
Selection Bias
Choosing only some information while ignoring the rest.
Example Walkthrough
THE SCENARIO
"A coach only praises players who score the most goals, completely ignoring the hard-working defenders."
Bias Type
Selection Bias
The Evidence
Only goal-scorers get praised.
Why It Matters
Defender efforts are ignored.
Scenario Activity
1
Draw an Everyday Scenario Card .
2
Read it aloud and spot the bias .
3
Record findings on your Worksheet .
4
Repeat for at least 3 cards .
15 MINUTES
Investigation Time
Reflection
Which scenario surprised you most and why?
How could someone challenge this bias?
Name one strategy you'll use to notice bias daily.
Next Steps
Case Solved!
Spot bias in news, stories, and conversations.
Discuss unfair judgments with a friend or family member.
Stay aware: Fairness makes for better decisions.
"Every perspective counts. Keep busters active!"
Everyday Scenarios Cards Everyday Scenarios Cards
Investigation Activity: Spot the Bias
Cut Along Dotted Lines
Teacher: Cut these cards out before the lesson. Have the student draw one card at a time, read it aloud, and record their findings on the Bias Analysis Worksheet .
SCENARIO 01
The school librarian never recommends adventure books to boys because she believes they prefer action movies over reading.
SCENARIO 02
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 03
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 04
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 05
A student blogger reads only comments supporting her opinion on the new school rule and deletes any feedback that disagrees.
SCENARIO 06
Jessica searches online for proof that her favorite sports team is the best and dismisses any article that ranks other teams higher.
SCENARIO 07
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 08
In a lunchtime poll for favorite meals, only the most popular students are asked, so pizza appears to be everyone’s top choice.
Bias Analysis Worksheet Bias Analysis Worksheet
Operational Case File #6-2026
Name:
Date:
Bias Reference Guide
Stereotype Bias
Assuming all members of a group act or think the same way.
Confirmation Bias
Noticing only the clues that support what you already believe.
Selection Bias
Focusing on some info while ignoring other important facts.
Scenario Analysis
Scenario # Bias Type Evidence Why It Matters # ____ # ____ # ____
Debrief & Reflection
1. Which scenario surprised you the most and why?
2. How could someone challenge or avoid this bias in real life?
3. Name one strategy you’ll use to notice bias in daily situations.
Confidential Assessment Material • Bias Busters Program
Bias Busters Answer Key Teacher Resource
Bias Busters Answer Key
Guide for Scenario Analysis & Discussion
REFERENCE ONLY
Scenario Analysis Guide
Scenario 01: Librarian & Adventure
Bias: Stereotype Bias
The librarian assumes all boys prefer movies over reading based on their gender.
Scenario 02: Glasses & Math
Bias: Stereotype Bias
Classmates assume "glasses = smart at math" before seeing any performance data.
Scenario 03: Language & Recess
Bias: Stereotype Bias
Children assume a language difference makes playing a game together impossible.
Scenario 04: Sam & Worried Messages
Bias: Confirmation Bias
Sam only looks for "mean" signals and ignores all "friendly" signals from his friend.
Scenario 05: Blogger & Comments
Bias: Confirmation Bias
The blogger deletes opposing views to keep her "everyone agrees with me" belief alive.
Scenario 06: Jessica & Sports Search
Bias: Confirmation Bias
Jessica ignores evidence that other teams might be better, only seeking validation.
Scenario 07: Principal & Student Council
Bias: Selection Bias
The group surveyed (Council) does not represent the entire student body's diversity.
Scenario 08: Poll & Popularity
Bias: Selection Bias
By only asking one specific social group, the results are skewed and unfair to others.
Discussion & Reflection Tips
Question 1 (Surprise): Encourage the student to identify a bias they themselves might have held or seen recently. This builds self-awareness.
Question 2 (Challenge): Look for answers like "ask more people," "look for evidence that proves me wrong," or "remind myself that everyone is an individual."
Question 3 (Strategy): Strategies include the "Stop & Think" method, the "Flip the Script" (imaging if roles were reversed), or "Fact Checking" before reacting.
