The Brain Behind the Bot (ages 12 and up)
In this unit, students will explore the world of chatbots and how they function by learning about Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), and machine learning. They will examine how chatbots predict language, improve through feedback, and occasionally make mistakes. The unit will also guide students in investigating how bias can appear in chatbot responses and how the data collected from the internet shapes these outputs. In addition, students will reflect on their moments of human connection, recognize patterns in their social interactions, and consider how technology and AI can enhance or disrupt these experiences. Finally, they will discuss the responsible use of AI in academic settings by analyzing standard AI tools, weighing their benefits and challenges, and working together to establish thoughtful classroom norms for AI use. Through interactive discussions, analysis, and personal reflection, students will build foundational knowledge of AI and develop critical thinking skills about how it should be used in their lives and learning.
