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Browse all lessons
Lesson

What Is AI?

What is artificial intelligence and what are its potential benefits and drawbacks?

Grades

6–12

Time

15 mins.

Artificial intelligence technology is evolving quickly. Use this short lesson to help students get acquainted with how AI works and consider some of its potential benefits and drawbacks. 

Objectives:
  • Define what artificial intelligence is.

  • Understand what makes generative AI unique.

  • Reflect on the benefits and drawbacks of generative AI.

Vocabulary Show definitions
artificial intelligence (AI) · generative AI

artificial intelligence (AI) – a computer program or app that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence
generative AI – a type of AI that can create content, including text, images, and audio
Lesson video
What Is AI?
Student Video
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Topics 1

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Key Standards Supported

Lesson Plan

15 mins.

Watch: What Is AI?

15 mins.
Creative Commons Attribution, Non Commercial,No Derivatives
© Common Sense Media. Lessons are shareable with attribution for noncommercial use only. No remixing permitted. View detailed license information at creativecommons.org. Lesson last updated: September 2023

What You'll Need

In Class

  • Lesson Slides
  • Video: What Is AI?
  • AI Explained
    Handout
    Teacher Version
Creative Commons Attribution, Non Commercial,No Derivatives
© Common Sense Media. Lessons are shareable with attribution for noncommercial use only. No remixing permitted. View detailed license information at creativecommons.org. Lesson last updated: September 2023

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