Activity 01
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.
Explain how robots can help people in everyday life.
Facilitation TipDuring Robot Design Challenge, circulate with the simple robot kits to ask guiding questions like, 'What sensors could help your robot avoid obstacles?'
What to look forAsk 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.
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Activity 02
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.
Predict how artificial intelligence might change the way we learn or work.
Facilitation TipIn AI Prediction Debate, assign roles clearly so each pair contributes equally, preventing one student from dominating the discussion.
What to look forPose 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.
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Activity 03
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.
Evaluate the ethical considerations of developing advanced AI and robotics.
Facilitation TipFor Ethical Dilemma Role-Play, provide scenario cards with clear but open-ended prompts to spark deeper reasoning beyond initial reactions.
What to look forPresent 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.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Teach AI and robotics with a balance of wonder and skepticism. Start with relatable examples before abstract concepts, and use guided questioning to push students beyond initial assumptions. Research shows students grasp complex systems better when they first experience simple versions before scaling up to real-world complexity.
Students will demonstrate understanding by explaining real-world uses of robots and AI, identifying ethical concerns, and evaluating future impacts with specific examples. Success shows when they connect technical functions to human benefits and responsibilities.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
During Robot Design Challenge, watch for students attributing emotions to their robots, such as saying, 'My robot is happy.'
Pause the activity and ask, 'How does your robot know to move forward? What sensor or command triggers that action?' to redirect focus to programmed instructions.
During AI Prediction Debate, watch for students claiming AI will replace all jobs without considering new roles.
Prompt pairs to list three jobs AI might create, then share examples with the class to shift perspectives from replacement to transformation.
During Ethical Dilemma Role-Play, watch for students assuming AI decisions are always fair because they are made by machines.
After role-playing, ask groups to identify where bias might enter the AI system, using the scenario cards to guide their reasoning.
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