How AI Works
Dive into the world of AI with "How AI Works," our video series and accompanying lessons!
How AI Works
This series of short videos and accompanying in-classroom lessons will introduce you and your students to how artificial intelligence works and why it matters. You can choose individual lessons based on topic, explore the whole series of topics in one class or teach all 7 lessons to give a deeper dive.
These lessons will:
- Introduce you to artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Dive into how generative AI works, including large language models (LLMs) and image generation
- Explore bias, ethics, privacy and the responsible use of AI
- Touch on real world applications of AI, including computer vision
AI lessons for your class
Grade Levels: 6-12
Introduction to Machine Learning
Learn about a form of artificial intelligence called machine learning and how they can use the Problem Solving Process to help train a robot to solve problems. Participate in machine learning activities where a robot is learning how to detect patterns in fish.
Grade Levels: 6-12
Computer Vision
Learn how computer vision works. Watch a video explaining computer vision and how a computer "sees". Then design an algorithm that uses a network to decide what number the seven segment display is displaying and test it.
Grade Levels: 6-12
Neural Networks
Learn how neural networks work. Use widgets to explore neural networks in a hands on way. Watch a video explaining neural networks. Finally discuss the need for diverse perspectives when creating recommendation systems.
Grade Levels: 6-12
Chatbots and Large Language Models
Learn what an Large Language Model (LLM) is and how it works, then use an LLM to co-create a text with AI. Finally, discuss about whether or not LLMs are intelligent or creative.
Grade Levels: 6-12
Generative Images
Learn how AI can generate images, then explore a diffusion AI widget and discuss whether or not these models are creative.
Grade Levels: 6-12
Algorithmic Bias
Practice cropping images to uncover the bias underlying the Twitter cropping algorithm, then read and watch a video about the discovery of this biased algorithm. Finally, discuss ways to recognize and reduce bias in algorithms.
Grade Levels: 6-12
Our AI Code of Ethics
Conduct research using articles and videos that expose ethical pitfalls in an artificial intelligence area of their choice. Assemble a class-wide "Our AI Code of Ethics" resource for AI creators and legislators everywhere.
How AI Works in a Day
Only have a day? There's also the option to introduce the whole series to students in a single day. Perfect for any subject-area teacher looking to introduce students to AI, or even for as a lesson for a guest teacher.
Introduce all of the "How AI Works" videos in one day. Students follow along with each video by matching vocabulary from the video, then answering a reflection question about each video.
Duration: 1 hour
Grades: 6-12
See lesson detailsAdditional resources
Interested in learning more about AI? Here are some additional resources that can help extend you and your students' learning.
Teachers
AI 101 Self-Paced Professional Learning
Foundational online learning series for any teacher or educator interested in the groundbreaking world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in education.
Students
AI and Machine Learning
Explore how computers learn from data. Develop machine learning projects around real-world data. Design a machine learning app to solve a personally relevant problem.
Teachers
Teaching AI and Machine Learning
Introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Train a machine learning model using AI Lab. and engage with machine learning apps. Consider real-world implications of AI and machine learning.
