Artificial Intelligence Curriculum for Primary and Secondary Schools
AI in Computer Science in Elementary Schools
Robots in the Museum
What Is and What Isn’t AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Lesson 02
What Is and What Isn’t AI
Artificial intelligence is a computer program that can perform tasks that once required human intelligence. It’s created by people — and they started working on it more than 70 years ago! Where can we find artificial intelligence today, and how can we recognize it?
Lesson Overview
The lesson begins with an introduction to the concept of artificial intelligence, where children reflect on what it means, where they might encounter it, and how to recognize it. Robots Hoo and Ray set off on a trip to a technology museum, where they explore older technologies like a knitting machine, a calculator, or an Atari game console, and wonder whether these machines are intelligent. The teacher leads a discussion about the difference between machines that use AI and those that simply follow pre-programmed instructions. Children work with worksheets where they evaluate various technologies based on whether they respond to their environment, can learn new things, and use sensors. Then, students compare devices like self-driving cars, voice assistants, and robot vacuums with simpler technologies like calculators or microwaves. The lesson ends with a summary and reflection, where children discuss the potential and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence.
Lesson Overview
Recommended Age, Lesson Length
Children aged 8-11, 45—90 minutes.
Tools
Teacher: Printed worksheets and presentations (to be shown).
Students: Writing supplies.
Building Blocks
Artificial intelligence, intelligent behaviour.
What Are the Students Learning?
Some devices in everyday life use AI technology, others do not.
Why Are They Learning This?
Based on their understanding of the specifics of intelligent machines, they can find creative solutions to problems (long - term goal).
How Do We Know They Have Learned It?
They will describe the differences between devices that use AI and those that do not. They will give specific examples of these.
Digital Competence
Facilitating Learners' Digital Competence.
Bloom's Taxonomy
Understanding: Students describe the differences between devices
with AI and without AI, explain how AI works, and identify examples
of its use.
Applying: Students apply the knowledge gained in filling out tables
and deciding which devices use AI based on defined characteristics.
Analyzing: Students analyze the properties of the device (e.g., ability
to respond to the environment, use of sensors) and evaluate whether they meet the criteria for AI.
Five Big Ideas
1-B-I Processing (Sensing vs. Perception).
5-B-I AI & Culture (AI in Daily Life).
