AI Literacy in 15 Minutes or Less!

Teachers can use this flexible activity during morning meetings, tech warm-ups, transition times, library sessions, or enrichment blocks. You don't need to do any prep.

Students learn that AI is a tool, and humans are the decision-makers as they:

1. Watch a short video explaining AI in simple terms.
2. Discuss what they notice and wonder about how AI learns and makes mistakes.
3. Find examples of AI in everyday life through a scavenger hunt.
4. “Be the AI” in a fun role-play that shows how computers follow instructions.
5. Reflect and make an AI Promise to use technology safely, fairly, and creatively.

Perfect for sparking curiosity, encouraging thoughtful discussion, and helping students see how AI connects to the world around them.

In this quick, 15-minute lesson, students explore how artificial intelligence shows up in their everyday lives and learn that AI is a tool, while humans remain the decision-makers. They will:

• Watch a short video that breaks down what AI is and how tools like generative AI learn from data.
• Share what they notice, wonder, and understand about how AI works—and where it can make mistakes.
• Identify examples of AI in the apps, platforms, and technologies they use daily.
• Reflect on responsible, fair, and safe AI use in school and beyond by engaging in one of three activities: a Bias Gallery Walk, a debate mini-prep, or AI norm-setting.

You can teach this lesson live or assign it for independent completion.

Click the Educator Guide for pacing, discussion prompts, and step-by-step instructions for the student worksheet.

Teachers can use these discussion cards as a supplement to our high school foundational lessons (What is AI?  and How Do Machines Learn?), or to hold brief discussions on AI in our world during:

• Morning Meeting or Club: A quick way to spark curiosity and connect AI to students’ everyday world.
• Class Warm-Ups or Wrap-Ups: Use at the start or end of a lesson, including tech/STEM classes, ELA, science, or social studies.
• Transition or Early Finish Activities: A purposeful 10–15 minute learning break between core subjects.
• Library or Media Center Time: Reinforce responsible technology use or digital citizenship skills.
• Advisory, Homeroom, or SEL Blocks: Support thoughtful discussion on real-world issues.
• Substitute Plans or Enrichment Blocks: Minimal prep with clear directions for students.