What is Artificial Intelligence?

Approximate Total Time: 2-3 hours

Summary:

Students start their understanding of artificial intelligence here through hands-on activities, games, and guided discussions. They learn how machines use data to “learn,” how algorithms guide computer actions, and why fairness and bias matter in AI systems.

Lesson Flow:

Lesson 1: What Is AI? – Identify examples of AI and discuss what makes a system “intelligent.” Adapted from the 5 Big Ideas of AI by AI4K12.org

Lesson 2: Can Machines Really Learn? – Use Google Quick Draw to explore datasets and predictions.

Lesson 3: What Is an Algorithm? – Write and debug algorithms to solve real-world problems.

Video Tutorial Playlist for Educators

Approximate Time: 2–3 class periods (45–60 minutes each)
 

Summary:

Students explore what artificial intelligence (AI) is, how machines learn, and how algorithms make decisions that shape the world around us. Through hands-on activities and interactive discussions, learners investigate how AI perceives, plans, learns, interacts, and impacts society. They examine real-world examples like chatbots, self-driving cars, and recommendation tools, experiment with Google’s Quick, Draw! to see how machines learn from data, and create their own algorithms to understand how optimization and bias affect decision-making.

Lesson Flow:

1. What is AI? – Define artificial and intelligence, identify real-world AI examples, and explore the Five Big Ideas of AI. There is an optional AI Systems Case Study extension, in which students research specific AI systems (e.g., chatbots, autonomous cars) and present how they connect to the Five Big Ideas of AI.
2. Can Machines Really Learn? – Use Quick, Draw! to explore datasets, predictions, and how bias can enter AI systems, and discuss different types of bias in datasets.
3. What is an Algorithm? – Write and test simple algorithms, debug errors, and discuss how “the best” solution depends on human choices and definitions. 
   Students compare multiple algorithms that achieve the same goal in different ways, discussing which is “best” and why.

Video Tutorial Playlist for Educators 

Approximate Time: 2–3 class periods (45–60 minutes each)
 

Summary:

Students explore what artificial intelligence (AI) is, how machines learn, and how algorithms make decisions that shape the world around us. Through hands-on activities and interactive discussions, learners investigate how AI perceives, plans, learns, interacts, and impacts society. They examine real-world examples like chatbots, self-driving cars, and recommendation tools, experiment with Google’s Quick, Draw! to see how machines learn from data, and create their own algorithms to understand how optimization and bias affect decision-making.

Lesson Flow:

1. What is AI? – Define artificial and intelligence, identify real-world AI examples, and explore the Five Big Ideas of AI. There is an optional AI Systems Case Study extension, in which students research specific AI systems (e.g., chatbots, autonomous cars) and present how they connect to the Five Big Ideas of AI.
2. Can Machines Really Learn? – Use Quick, Draw! to explore datasets, predictions, and how bias can enter AI systems, and discuss different types of bias in datasets.
3. What is an Algorithm? – Write and test simple algorithms, debug errors, and discuss how “the best” solution depends on human choices and definitions. 
   Students compare multiple algorithms that achieve the same goal in different ways, discussing which is “best” and why.