Understanding bias
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what bias is and explain the impacts of bias.
Key learning points
- People often make assumptions about those around them.
- Assumptions can make people biased without realising it.
- People can be biased because of the things they see online.
- People sometimes create biased online content to get more likes, followers or money.
- Bias can lead to discrimination, which can leave victims feeling sad, lonely, anxious or angry.
Keywords
Assumption - a feeling or belief about something or someone which is not based on evidence
Bias - a feeling that influences how you respond to a situation or person
Unconscious - in this context, a thought or feeling that happens without you realising
Common misconception
Pupils may think that being biased means we are bad people.
Being biased is part of being human. It is only a problem when we don't realise how biased we are and don't treat people fairly.
Teacher tip
Show examples of biased content and discuss the impacts of this content being shared online. Be mindful of the examples you choose and ensure they are appropriate for your class setting.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the correct definition.
an online place: for example, a news page or gaming site
a word or picture that takes you to a new place if you click or tap it
an application on a phone or tablet
a feature you would use to find information on a website
Q2.Adverts on the internet are not always .
Q3.Why do we need to be careful when clicking links on the internet?
Q4.Inference means ...
Q5.Why do some websites and apps have adverts?
Q6.Sometimes we can infer that a link or advert is not safe because ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to the correct definitions.
a feeling or belief about something or someone, not based on evidence
a feeling that influences how you respond to a situation or person
in this context, a thought/feeling that happens without you realising
Q2.People can be biased because of the things they see .
Q3.What might be the impact of bias?
Q4.Who can be biased?
Q5.People sometimes create biased online content to get more likes, or money.
Q6.How might someone feel if they experience discrimination?
To help you plan your 4 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Understanding bias, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Understanding bias, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Media influence: What is fake news? unit, dive into the full primary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.