Lesson 1: What is Artificial Intelligence? (1 hour)

Learning Objectives

• Define artificial intelligence
• Understand the concept of intelligence in machines
• Identify examples of AI vs. non-AI systems

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard or digital presentation tool
• Internet connection for demonstrations
• Student notebooks or digital journals
• "AI or Not?" examples (prepared images/videos)

Time Breakdown

• Introduction and warm-up activity (10 min)
• Definition and discussion (15 min)
• AI vs. Non-AI activity (20 min)
• Wrap-up and reflection (10 min)
• Homework assignment (5 min)

Activities

1. Warm-Up: "Intelligence" Discussion (10 min)

• Ask students: "What does it mean to be intelligent?"
• Have students list examples of intelligent behavior (humans, animals, computers)
• Discuss: Can machines be intelligent? Why or why not?
• Record responses on board

2. Defining AI (15 min)

• Present formal definition: "AI is the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence"
• Break down key components:
  • Learning (acquiring new information)
  • Reasoning (making decisions)
  • Problem-solving (finding solutions)
  • Perception (understanding environment)
• Use simple examples: calculator (not AI) vs. chess computer (AI)

3. Hands-On: "AI or Not?" Activity (20 min)

• Show students various examples and have them vote:
  • Smartphone calculator (Not AI)
  • Netflix recommendations (AI)
  • GPS navigation (AI)
  • Traffic light (Not AI)
  • Voice assistant (AI)
  • Automated door (Not AI)
• Discuss reasoning for each
• Introduce concept: Rule-based vs. Learning-based systems

4. Reflection (10 min)

• Students write 3-5 sentences: "What is AI in my own words?"
• Share a few examples with class
• Clarify any misconceptions

5. Homework Assignment (5 min)

• Find 3 examples of AI you use in your daily life
• Write one sentence explaining why each is AI
• Be ready to share next class

Differentiation Strategies

• Younger students (12-14): Focus on concrete examples, use more visuals
• Older students (15-18): Introduce philosophical questions about consciousness and intelligence
• Struggling learners: Provide sentence starters for definitions, use more examples
• Advanced learners: Explore Turing Test, Chinese Room argument, consciousness debates

Assessment

• Participation in discussions
• Completion of "AI or Not?" activity with correct reasoning
• Quality of reflection journal entry
• Homework completion

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