Comprehensive AI Learning Concept for Secondary School Computer Science
Our structured AI learning framework for middle and high school students is divided into three levels:
Recommended Minimum—William & Meriwether, an interactive story that introduces students to fundamental AI concepts, including data, devices, machine learning, and bias.
Concept Cards—Designed for deeper exploration, each card represents a key AI principle and is part of a structured learning pack. The cards build upon each other, and following the activities in sequence provides the most comprehensive understanding.
Machine Learning for Kids—A project-based textbook offering hands-on experience with machine learning, allowing students to develop a deeper technical understanding of the subject.
How We Explain AI & Machine Learning
Our approach to teaching AI and machine learning is based on highlighting the key differences between algorithmic programming and machine learning. The following comparison, adapted from the research of Matti Tedre and Henriikka Vartiainen, provides a structured overview:
Algorithmic Approach
Defining the problem
Designing a solution as an algorithm
Implementing the solution step by step
Compiling, running, and testing the program
Machine Learning Approach
Describing the problem and collecting data
Cleaning, processing, and annotating data
Training a machine learning model
Testing the model and refining both the model and dataset
William & Meriwether
The recommended entry point for introducing AI concepts in computer science is the extensively tested interactive story, William & Meriwether. Through a playful and engaging approach, it guides students toward four key learning objectives:
1) Identify and provide real-world examples of data.
2) Describe devices used for data collection.
3) Define machine learning with teacher guidance.
4) Explain the concept of bias in AI.
Grant: 3×45 minutes
Target audience: 6th grader and up
Methods: Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3
Webinar: Teaching online
The story is ready to play (currently availaible only in Czech)! Before the lesson, teachers should review the teaching materials and print the student worksheets for a smooth classroom experience.
Concept Cards
The Concept Cards are structured teaching resources designed for hands-on AI activities. Each card introduces a key AI concept and is part of a thematically connected set. The activities in each set are designed to be followed in sequence, ensuring a progressive understanding of the topics.
Dataset Set (2×45 minutes)
Machine Learning Set (4×45 minutes)
Ethics Set (2×45 minutes)
Machine Learning for Kids—Textbook
A practical, project-based textbook that helps students understand what machine learning is and how it works. It features 13 hands-on projects, allowing students to train their own machine learning models and test them directly using the Scratch programming platform.
+ Designed for students aged 12+
+ Uses the free Machine Learning for Kids platform
