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Free AI lesson plan, lesson 1 of 10

What is AI?

Essential question

Why should students understand artificial intelligence and its ethical uses?

  • About 35 minutes
  • Short video included
  • No AI background needed
  • Free

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Lesson objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

  • Explain what qualifies as “artificial intelligence” based on different applications [generative, machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), computer vision (CV)]
  • Explain the four types of AI functionalities: reactive, limited memory, theory of mind and self-awareness
  • Describe the difference between AI applications and functionalities
  • Analyze ongoing ethical concerns and debates around artificial intelligence
  • Identify how the study of AI ethics applies to your everyday life

Key vocabulary

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Ethics
  • Dataset
  • AI Model
  • Algorithm
  • Prediction
  • Application
  • Functionality

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up<5 minutes
  2. Lecture8-10 minutes
  3. Group Activity (optional)>10 minutes
  4. Whole Class Discussion5 minutes

Exit ticket questions

What students answer at the end of the lesson. Answer choices are on the worksheet, answers in the teacher guide.

  1. Which of the following APPLICATIONS of AI are Flock cameras?
  2. Which of the following APPLICATIONS of AI is an Instagram “For You” page?
  3. Which of the following APPLICATIONS of AI is Google Gemini?
  4. Which of the following APPLICATIONS of AI is Amazon Alexa?
  5. In 1-2 sentences, how would you define “Artificial Intelligence” right now?

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Questions about anything on this page? Email anik@ethicslabs.ai. A real person answers.