What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. 7 or more throughout the classCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 6
Beginner Level
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere—from personalized recommendations and voice-activated devices to smart home systems, self-driving cars, and beyond. In this engaging class, students will cultivate machine learning skills by exploring AI and coding through interactive projects. With a blend of hands-on digital and “unplugged” activities, they’ll tap into their creativity, becoming not just consumers, but knowledgeable and inventive creators of AI. Here’s what we’ll explore: - What is artificial intelligence (AI)? - How does machine learning work? - How will AI shape my life and my community? - What are the social impacts of these technologies? - What should we consider when creating AI applications? - How can we ensure AI is safe, equitable, and respects privacy? - What can I do with AI? - How do you train an AI application? - What does the future hold for these technologies? - Why should I care? Students will discover how to harness generative AI tools as intelligent tutors, problem-solvers, and even as aids for proofreading and organizing their work. This class not only focuses on coding but also emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible AI usage, preparing students for the ever-changing tech world.
Learning Goals
Understand AI Basics: Grasp fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Explore Algorithms: Learn how algorithms work and their role in AI and Machine Learning.
Syllabus
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to AI
What is AI? Understanding artificial intelligence in simple terms.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Machine Learning Basics
What is machine learning? Introduction to how machines learn from data.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Smart Classroom
Create a smart assistant in a special version of Scratch that lets you control virtual devices.
Teach a computer to recognize the meaning of your commands
• How computers can be trained to recognize the intent behind writing.
• Confidence thresholds indicate when the machine cannot recognize the meaning.
• How virtual assistants (e.g. Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Home) work.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
Train a computer to predict when you describe a glass as half-full or half-empty.
Teach a computer to play a game
• Decision tree learning as a way for computers to learn how to play games.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Remember to keep your private information private - for example, no last names, home cities, or gaming handles shared within the classroom. Please review with your student before class.
Google Quick Draw: This is a game built with machine learning. You draw, and a neural network tries to guess what you’re drawing. Web-based and does not require a login to use.
Google Teachable Machine: A web-based tool that makes creating machine learning models fast, easy, and accessible to everyone. When you train the model, it trains in your browser tab without sending anything to any servers. If you close your tab, nothing is saved in your browser or on any servers. No login required.
Machine Learning for Kids: Using "Try it now" to means there is no need to log on or create an account. We will be storing your training examples on your own computer (in your web browser). No login is required. This program integrates with a special version of Scratch 3.0 that integrates Google's Teachable Machine as mentioned above. Projects can only be saved to your harddrive and will not work with the web-based Scratch program.
Use of ChatGPT and other LLMs will be shared from the teacher's shared screen for observation and collaboration. Students will not be accessing ChatGPT during this class from their own device.
Considering the different forms of bias and ethical challenges of AI applications in K-12 settings, we will touch on problems of privacy, surveillance, autonomy, bias, and discrimination.
Supply List
It is strongly encouraged to have two devices. One device for Zoom (laptop, desktop computer, smartphone or tablet) and a second device for projects.
Computer
WebCam
Microphone
Keyboard
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Santa Barbara
Great teachers form strong relationships with their students by engaging them in the subjects they are passionate about. I have always been a logical thinker who enjoys science, math, technology, and engineering both for work and play.
I worked as an engineer for companies like Frito-Lay, Anheuser-Busch, Amgen as a consultant for many years improving their systems with automation and equipment. Once I became a parent, I began teaching extra-curricular classes as a way to have more time at home, but stay involved in subjects that bring me joy.
Realizing that by being warm, professional, and enthusiastic, I can engage students. My creative lessons and strong classroom presence help build student confidence while increasing interest in subjects that may otherwise seem intimidating.
I have completed Professional Development courses on AI, such as "Preparing to Teach Coding with AI" from code.org and "Creating a Spark for AI" from IBM + mSL
Reviews
Live Group Course
$300
for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-8 learners per class