Even if students don't know it yet, artificial intelligence (AI) is a gateway into new, fun, and world-changing learning opportunities. From turning text descriptions into pictures to creating chatbots that can hold very human-like conversations, today's possibilities are endless (and tomorrow's possibilities offer even more).
But how do you get students started on their AI journeys?
Look no further! Here are a few exciting games and activities that can ignite the passion for artificial intelligence technology in kids and teens.
1. Ethical AI with AI Oceans (Code.org)
Without diving too deep (no pun intended) into the pitfalls of AI, I think it's important to start with an activity that highlights the "ethical use" of AI.
"AI for Oceans" is a great activity for students because it combines hands-on learning with real-world applications. Students engage in training AI to differentiate between fish and non-fish items through simple click-identification, which introduces them to concepts of machine learning, data training, and bias.
In addition, the activity also encourages critical thinking about the ethical implications of AI (I'm thinking, garbage in, garbage out).
Read more about how AI self learns
The interactive and visually appealing format keeps students engaged, making complex AI concepts accessible and understandable.
2. Skill-building with Alexa
I'm sure at least one of your students has either thought of or asked aloud, "How does Alexa work?"
Well, Alexa Skill Blueprints is the perfect answer to get them going.
Allowing students to create custom Alexa skills using simple templates - including personalized games, stories, or household lists (without needing programming knowledge) - Alexa Skill Blueprints is a nice tool for personal and educational use.
Th process involves choosing a blueprint, customizing the content, and then deploying the skill on Alexa devices. These blueprints cover various categories such as "Fun & Games," "At Home," "Storyteller," and "Learning & Knowledge." (I'm not sure which category "Burns" falls into, but I can only imagine how Alexa roasting "friends and family with lighthearted burns" would go over in my household!)
Thanks to immediate feedback, students can better understand how AI works and how it can be applied in real-world scenarios.
3. Image Recognition with Google
One common use of machine learning in modern computing is image recognition, where computers can learn to spot objects in images, recognize handwriting and drawings—and even learn to identify features on the road while operating a self-driving car.
Thus, of the many AI experiments Google has released for students, "Quick, Draw!" stands out as one of the most popular. With it, students can see a neural network work to recognize doodles in real time, where it constantly uses users' drawings to improve their abilities.
Here is my doodle gallery, of which each image was recognized, thank you very much (or maybe the AI is just that good, because admittedly, that looks nothing like a hot dog).
The game gives students six prompts to draw an object, and the AI will do its best to guess what they're drawing! (It's pretty impressive.) And as they draw, they can hear the different guesses the AI is making, which gives a glimpse of the thought process as the program tries to figure things out based on the details provided.
Bonus prompt: If the AI fails to recognize the drawing, have students think about why that might be.
- Are certain shapes easier to confuse than others?
- Does the network do better with animals or inanimate objects?
- What effect does the complexity of your doodle have on the AI's success?
4. Bingo to Learn About AI
AI Bingo, crafted by MIT researcher Blakeley H. Payne, encourages kids to spot AI around them.
This engaging game is rooted in research showing that understanding technology can spark interest in STEM and boost future career opportunities.
Designed for ages 9 to 14, AI Bingo is part of a comprehensive, student-tested curriculum aimed at enhancing tech literacy. You can learn more via the link below which leads to the full curriculum document.
5. Face Sensing with Scratch
The Scratch Lab's "Face Sensing" extension allows students to create interactive projects using facial recognition technology.
Why? Well, Scratch games aren't only easy to create, but educational, too. By integrating face tracking into their Scratch projects, students can explore machine learning concepts in a hands-on way.
This extension encourages creativity and experimentation, making AI more accessible and engaging for young learners. It’s a fun, educational tool that helps students understand how AI can interact with the real world.
Engaging activities like all of these presented above offer hands-on experiences that make learning AI concepts fun and more importantly, accessible. These activities not only teach critical skills but also spark curiosity and creativity, making complex ideas understandable.
By exploring these tools, parents and teachers can ignite a passion for technology in young minds, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate and shape the world of tomorrow.
Have a student ready to get started? Check out our AI summer camps or learn more about machine learning for kids.