Computing · Year 5 · Digital Creativity and Citizenship · Summer Term

AI and Robotics

An introductory look at artificial intelligence and robotics, and their potential impact on society.

About This Topic

This topic introduces Year 5 students to artificial intelligence and robotics through real-world examples and future predictions. Students explore how robots assist in homes with vacuum cleaners, in hospitals with surgical aids, and in factories with assembly tasks. They examine AI in voice assistants like Siri, recommendation systems on streaming services, and simple image recognition tools. Key questions guide discussions on everyday benefits, changes to learning and work, and ethical issues such as privacy, job displacement, and bias in AI decisions.

Aligned with the UK National Curriculum for Computing, this unit fosters digital citizenship by evaluating technology's societal role. Students develop computational thinking through predicting outcomes and assessing impacts, skills essential for later programming and data analysis. Ethical evaluation encourages balanced viewpoints, preparing pupils for responsible tech use.

Active learning suits this topic well because abstract concepts like AI decision-making become concrete through collaborative debates and prototyping. When students design robot solutions or role-play ethical scenarios in small groups, they practice prediction and evaluation skills while building confidence in articulating complex ideas.

Key Questions

1. Explain how robots can help people in everyday life.
2. Predict how artificial intelligence might change the way we learn or work.
3. Evaluate the ethical considerations of developing advanced AI and robotics.

Learning Objectives

• Identify specific tasks robots can perform to assist humans in daily life, such as cleaning or medical assistance.
• Compare and contrast the capabilities of current AI voice assistants with hypothetical future AI systems.
• Analyze potential societal impacts of AI and robotics, including changes to employment and learning.
• Evaluate ethical considerations related to AI development, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias.

Before You Start

Introduction to Digital Devices

Why: Students need a basic understanding of what computers and other digital devices are and how they are used.

How Algorithms Work

Why: A foundational understanding of algorithms is necessary to grasp how AI and robots follow instructions.

Key Vocabulary

Robot	A machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, often programmable by a computer.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)	The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, including learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Algorithm	A set of rules or instructions followed by a computer to solve a problem or perform a task.
Automation	The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Robots think and feel like humans.

What to Teach Instead

Robots follow programmed instructions and sensors, without emotions or true understanding. Hands-on demos with simple robot kits let students program basic movements, revealing reliance on human code and data inputs.

Common Misconception

AI will replace all human jobs.

What to Teach Instead

AI automates routine tasks but creates new roles in design and oversight. Group debates on job changes help students weigh evidence, shifting focus from fear to opportunity through real examples.

Common Misconception

AI always makes fair decisions.

What to Teach Instead

AI reflects biases in its training data. Role-playing biased scenarios prompts peer discussions, helping students identify flaws and propose fairer data solutions.

Active Learning Ideas

Small Groups: Robot Design Challenge

Groups brainstorm a robot to solve a school problem, like cleaning litter or helping in the library. They sketch the design, list sensors and actions needed, and present to the class with pros and cons. End with a vote on the most practical idea.

45 min·Small Groups

Pairs: AI Prediction Debate

Pairs predict one change AI brings to learning or work, then debate positive and negative effects using evidence cards provided. Switch roles midway. Conclude with class agreement on balanced views.

30 min·Pairs

Whole Class: Ethical Dilemma Role-Play

Present scenarios like an AI hiring tool with bias. Assign roles such as developer, worker, and citizen. Groups discuss and vote on solutions, sharing reasoning with the class.

40 min·Whole Class

Individual: Everyday Robot Hunt

Students list and photograph three robots or AI tools at home or school, noting their functions. Compile into a class digital wall for discussion on common patterns.

20 min·Individual

Real-World Connections

• Robots are used in hospitals for minimally invasive surgery, assisting surgeons with precision tasks. Companies like Intuitive Surgical develop robotic systems that allow for smaller incisions and faster patient recovery.
• AI powers recommendation engines on streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify, analyzing viewing or listening habits to suggest new content tailored to individual preferences.
• Self-driving car technology, developed by companies like Waymo and Tesla, uses AI and sensors to navigate roads, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in transportation.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write down one example of a robot helping people and one way AI might change how they learn in the future. Collect these as they leave the lesson.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'If a robot could do your homework, would that be a good thing or a bad thing?' Facilitate a class discussion, guiding students to consider both benefits and drawbacks, and to justify their opinions.

Quick Check

Present students with a short scenario, for example, 'An AI system is used to decide who gets a loan.' Ask students to identify one potential ethical problem with this scenario. Check responses for understanding of bias or fairness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Year 5 students explore robots in everyday life?

Start with familiar examples like robotic vacuum cleaners, delivery drones, and AI in games. Use videos and class hunts for home devices to build recognition. Follow with group sketches of robot improvements, connecting observation to creative application in computing contexts.

What activities teach AI ethics effectively?

Ethical role-plays on privacy or bias work well, as students embody stakeholders and debate solutions. Provide scenario cards for structure. This builds empathy and critical evaluation, key for digital citizenship in the curriculum.

How does active learning benefit teaching AI and robotics?

Active approaches like prototyping robots or debating predictions make abstract ideas tangible. Small group designs and role-plays encourage collaboration, deepening understanding of ethics and impacts. Students retain more through hands-on prediction and evaluation, aligning with curriculum goals for computational thinking.

How to predict AI changes to work and learning?

Use paired debates with prompt cards on scenarios like AI tutors or automated factories. Students research quick examples, argue pros and cons, then share class insights. This scaffolds future-oriented thinking while practicing evidence-based arguments.