Intro to AI Applications | Large Language Models, AI Agents, & Python Coding

This 8-week course introduces high school students to the cutting-edge world of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents through hands-on Python programming. Meeting just one hour per week, students will progress from understanding the foundations of AI to creating their own intelligent agent applications that can perform tasks, integrate with external services, and maintain conversations. Each session combines concise instruction with interactive coding exercises, ensuring students gain practical skills they can immediately apply.

Perfect for tech-savvy teens interested in the future of artificial intelligence, this course bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world programming skills that are increasingly valuable in today's job market. Students will learn how to interact with the same AI technologies powering innovations across industries, from crafting effective prompts to building automated systems that can assist with specific tasks. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a portfolio-worthy AI agent project that demonstrates their ability to work with some of the most transformative technologies of our time.

Course Highlights

-Learn to interact with advanced Large Language Models through Python programming
-Master prompt engineering techniques to get optimal results from AI systems
-Develop AI agents that can perform specific tasks and interact with external services
-Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard APIs and technologies
-Create structured programs that maintain context over multi-turn conversations
-Understand how to debug, test, and improve AI applications. Build a foundation for future -careers in AI, machine learning, and software development

Student Projects

-Simple LLM Client: A Python application that connects to an LLM API and processes responses
-Prompt Engineering Toolkit: A program implementing various prompting techniques with performance comparison
-Advanced Prompt Engineering Tool: An application that maintains context across conversations and produces structured outputs
-Weather Information Agent: A basic AI agent that retrieves and presents weather data from external APIs
-Study Assistant Agent: A comprehensive final project that helps students organize notes, create flashcards, and generate study guides based on educational materials
-Personal Task Manager: An agent that helps track to-do items, schedule events, and send reminders
-Custom AI Agent: A self-designed agent that solves a specific problem chosen by the student