Artificial Intelligence Foundations
Prepare students for the future with a high school course that blends real-world AI applications with computer science fundamentals—no prior experience needed.
Flexible, future-ready learning
Empower students to explore the impact of computing and AI through real-world, engaging, and adaptable coursework.
- No prior experience required—accessible to all students
- Modular units tailored to your school’s goals.
- Projects exploring data, ethics, privacy, and AI.
- 100% free, with lesson plans, tutorials, and assessments.
Curriculum at a glance
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: Beginner
Duration: Semester
Devices: Chromebook, Computer
Topics: Programming, Data, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Internet
Tools: AI Chat Lab, Python Lab
Professional Learning: Facilitator-led Workshops, Self-paced Modules
Languages supported: English
This curriculum ignited a passion for programming in my students, and now I’m looking at a group of students that have been inspired to be the next generation of coders.
High School Teacher
Find the best AI Foundations course for your class
Explore semester-long courses or mix-and-match units to meet your teaching goals.
CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT
Semester courses
Teach the full, semester-long AI Foundations course. We also offer state-aligned options for select states.
New
Grades 9-12
Artificial Intelligence Foundations (Semester)
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundations is a free, flexible curriculum which introduces students to the core principles and real-world applications of computer science.
New
Grades 9-12
Idaho Digital Literacy
Idaho Digital Literacy is a version of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundations curriculum specifically designed to meet Idaho standards.
New
Grades 9-12
Computing Foundations for a Digital Age: Indiana
Computing Foundations for a Digital Age is a version of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundations curriculum specifically designed to meet Indiana standards.
Explore flexible learning units
Discover six adaptable units that combine foundational computer science concepts with hands-on AI projects. Designed to meet CSTA standards and inspire real-world problem-solving.
Grades 9-12
Problem Solving with AI
Explore how AI generates content, identify issues like bias and hallucinations, and learn to debug and improve AI outputs for real-world use.
Grades 9-12
Foundations of AI Programming
Learn Python through hands-on projects and explore ethical computing topics like accessibility, bias, and inclusivity in software design.
Grades 9-12
AI and the Systems That Power It
Discover how computing systems operate, focusing on the interaction between hardware, software, and operating systems.
Grades 9-12
The Fabric of the Internet and AI
Understand how the Internet works, including protocols like IP and DNS, and examine its impact on communication and society.
Grades 9-12
Cybersecurity and Global Impacts
Explore cybersecurity basics, from encryption and security risks to data privacy and the human factors behind digital breaches.
Grades 9-12
Insights from Data and AI
Investigate how data is collected, visualized, and analyzed, while examining privacy and ethics in the age of big data.
Resources that support you every step of the way
Sign up for a Code.org account to get access to materials that will help you teach computer science with confidence. Code.org has extensive resources designed to support educators, even those without prior CS teaching experience.
Lesson Plans
Get step-by-step guidance, learning objectives, and assessment strategies for effective teaching. Helpful resources include slide decks, activity guides, rubrics, and more — all organized in one place. Each lesson plan is accompanied by tips for classroom implementation, differentiation ideas, and extension activities to cater to students of all abilities.
Explore example lesson plan
Instructional videos
Watch easy-to-understand overviews of computer science and programming concepts. Code.org video series are designed specifically to support your classroom and are engaging and fun to watch.
Explore all videos
Slide decks
We offer educators an organized, visually engaging, and pedagogically sound framework to deliver computer science lessons. Code.org slide decks provide step-by-step instructions, examples, and interactive activities that align with curricular objectives.
Explore example slide deck
Assessments
Our curricula includes a comprehensive system of formative and summative assessment resources. These include rubrics, checklists, mini-projects, end-of-chapter projects, student-facing rubrics, sample projects, and post-project tests — all designed to support teachers in measuring student growth, providing feedback, and evaluating student understanding.
Explore an assessment lesson
Track your students' progress
Our powerful progress view helps you monitor student work by providing insights into completion status, time spent, and more. Easily track each student's learning journey, quickly assess participation, and give personalized feedback.
Sign up to start tracking progressLesson Plans
Lesson Plans
Get step-by-step guidance, learning objectives, and assessment strategies for effective teaching. Helpful resources include slide decks, activity guides, rubrics, and more — all organized in one place. Each lesson plan is accompanied by tips for classroom implementation, differentiation ideas, and extension activities to cater to students of all abilities.
Explore example lesson planVideos
Instructional videos
Watch easy-to-understand overviews of computer science and programming concepts. Code.org video series are designed specifically to support your classroom and are engaging and fun to watch.
Explore all videosSlides
Slide decks
We offer educators an organized, visually engaging, and pedagogically sound framework to deliver computer science lessons. Code.org slide decks provide step-by-step instructions, examples, and interactive activities that align with curricular objectives.
Explore example slide deckAssessments
Assessments
Our curricula includes a comprehensive system of formative and summative assessment resources. These include rubrics, checklists, mini-projects, end-of-chapter projects, student-facing rubrics, sample projects, and post-project tests — all designed to support teachers in measuring student growth, providing feedback, and evaluating student understanding.
Explore an assessment lessonProgress
Track your students' progress
Our powerful progress view helps you monitor student work by providing insights into completion status, time spent, and more. Easily track each student's learning journey, quickly assess participation, and give personalized feedback.
Sign up to start tracking progressPreparing to teach this curriculum
9-12 Teachers
Teaching AI Foundations
Provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum, enabling them to effectively guide students through essential computer science concepts, the transformative role of AI, and hands-on experience with AI tools.
Explore the tools used in AI Foundations
Python Lab
Student-friendly IDE that runs real Python code.
AI Chat Lab
The AI Chat Lab tool, accessible only through our curriculum, allows students to experiment with AI models, learn prompt engineering, and customize chatbots using real-world techniques.
Frequently asked questions
What is AIF, and how does it fit into a high school CS pathway?
AIF (AI Foundations) is an introductory high school computer science course that integrates AI, data science, cybersecurity, and programming. It can serve as a student's first CS course or as a bridge to more advanced courses like AP CSP or AP CSA.
How does AI Foundations compare to CS Discoveries and AP CSP?
AI Foundations introduces foundational CS concepts like CS Discoveries but at a high school level and with a strong focus on AI and real-world applications. Unlike AP CSP, it is not tied to an AP exam and provides more in-depth exploration of AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
See in depth comparison to:
Does AIF satisfy computer science graduation requirements?
AIF is designed to meet the majority of state computer science graduation requirements. Specific alignment varies by state, so schools should verify with their local education authorities.
Is the course aligned with CSTA standards and other state/national requirements?
Yes, AIF aligns with CSTA standards and incorporates key concepts from state and national frameworks. It also integrates AI literacy, data science, and cybersecurity topics relevant to emerging standards.
Will students use AI tools in the course, and what are the age restrictions?
Still have questions? Reach out to us! We are here to help.
Our support team is here to answer any questions you may have about starting teaching with Code.org. You can also ask other teachers about their experience on our teacher forums.
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Additional resources
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Curriculum Catalog
Comprehensive curriculum offerings for every grade and experience level featuring robust structured and self-paced learning options.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Explore how AI is shaping our world through free curriculum, videos, and integrations that make artificial intelligence accessible and inspiring.
Professional Learning
Flexible, high-quality training that helps build confidence and equips teachers to effectively teach computer science with our curriculum.