Computing · Stage 5

Spot Bias & Unreliable Sources

Programs & Judgement · data & information — a source can be true and still one-sided, so ask who made it and what they want

✦ Computing📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~10 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start

I can judge sources and spot bias.

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Kavi Spots a One-Sided Page

Kavi read a bright page that shouted: "SuperFizz is the BEST drink in the world — buy it today!" Every single word sounded true. But Kavi asked a new question: "Who MADE this page, and what do they WANT?" At the very bottom, in tiny letters, it said "made by the SuperFizz company." "Aha," hooted Kavi, "they want to sell it — so they only show the good side and hide the bad." That is called bias: a source that shows only one side. A page can even be true and still be biased, if it leaves the other side out. To judge a source, Kavi asks three things: who made it, what do they want, and what side is missing?

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What your child will learn

1Four questions that spot biasA source can look neat and still be one-sided. To spot bias, don't just ask "is it true?" — ask who made it and what they are not telling you. Tap each question to hear its job.

2A balanced source, or a biased one?A balanced source shows more than one side, so you can decide for yourself. A biased source shows only one side — often because the maker wants something. Tap each card to compare.

3Fair and balanced, or one-sided?Think about who made each source and what side it shows. A seller's advert or a page that praises only one thing is one-sided. A source that weighs both sides is balanced.

4An advert says it is the bestKavi finds a bright advert: "GloScoot is the safest, fastest, BEST scooter — nothing else comes close!" It was made by the GloScoot company. Predict the smart move, then reveal.

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A peek inside

A review of a scooter is written by the shop that SELLS it. Can you trust it to be a fair, balanced view?

ask who made it and what they want — the shop wants you to buy

Try this at home: What does it mean for a source to be BIASED?

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Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Computing · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.