How AI Works
Dive into the world of AI with "How AI Works," our video series and accompanying lessons!
Bring AI to life in your classroom
Teach your students how AI really works through short, engaging videos and in-class lessons. This free lesson series breaks down core AI concepts—from machine learning and generative models to ethics and real-world applications. Use one lesson or all seven to spark curiosity and critical thinking.
Curriculum at a glance
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: Beginner
Duration: Lesson
Devices: Computer, Chromebook, Tablet
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data
Languages supported: English
AI lessons for your class
Grades 6-12
How AI Works: 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.
Grades 6-12
How AI Works: 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.
Grades 6-12
How AI Works: 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.
Grades 6-12
How AI Works: 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 whether or not LLMs are intelligent or creative.
Grades 6-12
How AI Works: Generative Images
Learn how AI can generate images, then explore a diffusion AI widget and discuss whether or not these models are creative.
Grades 6-12
How AI Works: 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.
Grades 6-12
How AI Works: 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.
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 as a lesson for a guest teacher.
Grades 6-12
How AI Works In a Day
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.
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Additional resources
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