10 TOOLS

Lessons and Tools for Teaching About Artificial Intelligence

It can be tough for teachers to prepare students for the jobs of the future. Who knows what lies ahead 10 or 20 years? Whatever the future holds, it's likely that artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and language models like ChatGPT or Bard will be a big part of it. Thankfully, we've uncovered a great set of classroom resources for teaching students about the tech behind AI. These resources, which we've curated below, unpack how AI can be used and its current and future economic, cultural, and social impacts. Thankfully, most are free and have ready-to-use lessons and activities. Several also feature games or interactive features that help students build and tinker with their own AI- or machine learning-driven tools.

Code.org

Popular games, big names get kids and teachers pumped to program

Bottom Line: A thoughtfully planned, produced, and curated set of free resources bound to get kids hooked on learning to code.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free

Hello Ruby

Crafty, mostly screen-free approach to computer science

Bottom Line: These creative, beautifully made craft- and interest-based projects have the potential to bring students -- particularly girls -- into the world of coding and computers.

Grades: 2–5
Price:
Free

Teachable Machine

Creative intro to machine learning and AI doesn't require code

Bottom Line: For students with some creativity and tech skills, this can offer a new spin on more traditional computer science tools.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free

Technovation Families

Family-focused site for learning AI well-suited to classrooms, too

Bottom Line: Makes artificial intelligence and machine learning accessible to students of many ages and abilities.

Grades: 4–12
Price:
Free

The AI Education Project

Excite and empower students with crucial AI literacy lessons

Bottom Line: This is a much-needed curriculum that helps students explore complex concepts through low-tech lessons and high-interest projects.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Machine Learning for Kids

Authentic AI-powered projects make kids' creations feel like magic

Bottom Line: It takes a topic that would be difficult to teach in any practical way and makes it accessible for the classroom.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Most Likely Machine

Interactive experience quickly exposes algorithms

Bottom Line: This is an effective and well-designed intro to the dangers of algorithms and how we have to approach them with care.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

AI4ALL Open Learning

Free courses invite everyone into the world of AI

Bottom Line: A fabulous resource for teaching about one of the most important fields in technology today.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Free

while True: learn()

Unique, powerful AI game requires self-directed learners

Bottom Line: Without a lot of support, these complex challenges require either a teacher knowledgeable about the topic or highly motivated students.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Paid

CTRL-F

Up-to-date, expert-backed news literacy program builds needed skills

Bottom Line: These trusted lessons, a great fit for middle school, empower students to approach media more intentionally, but teachers might need to adapt.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

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