Artificial Intelligence for KS2 and KS3
Overview
This entertaining and interactive workshop introduces students to Artificial Intelligence, demystifying how it works, showing its strengths and weaknesses and encouraging critical thinking over how we should and should not use it.
I provide all the equipment for students so no school computers, tablets or network connection are required. Bespoke software, which all runs offline, allows students to create their own Machine Learning (ML) systems – a common type of Artificial Intelligence - and then compete in teams to evaluate and improve their accuracy. This core activity teaches the importance of selecting appropriate training data and the issues that arise if an ML system has not been adequately trained.
Students also use Generative AI, as another core activity in every workshop, to create amazing images, in a safe moderated environment. They look for hallucinations or bias in the outputs and explain how these arise, using their new knowledge of AI training.
Further activities are then selected from the list below, depending on the age and experience of the group.
- Image Classification - train ML to recognise pictures of any object in the room
- Object Detection - see how AI enables computer to 'see' their surroundings and identify static or moving objects
- ML Quizzes - check the knowledge of teams on the use of ML
- Applications of AI - showcase of real-life uses of AI, which children will recognise and relate to
- GenAI Art - a challenge to identify AI-generated images and music, and consider the impact on creative arts
- Face Detection - find out how AI recognises human faces and emotions, and whether this indicates emotional intelligence
- Live Facial Recognition - mathematical simulation of facial recognition in crowds, trying to balance its sensitivity and precision
- Tech-Solutionism - explore group attitudes to a hypothetical AI application which gets progressively more ambitious and invasive
- Monetising AI - exploring whether the human contributors to the success of AI are fairly valued
Logistics
Each workshop can accommodate approximately 30 pupils split across ten teams and the ideal duration is 90 minutes, although timings are flexible. I am happy to run multiple sessions back-to-back in a single visit. Pupils create and use real AI without needing to do any coding, ensuring the activities are accessible to everyone and require no prior knowledge. I provide all the equipment for the teams and just require a classroom or hall with desks and a screen/projector.
The content is aimed at Years 4-9 and I adapt each workshop to ensure it is age appropriate. I also have experience of working in Alternative Provision schools and can adjust content to meet the needs of SEN and AP pupils. As of January 2025, I have delivered the workshops to over 2,800 pupils with 98% positive feedback.
Students can describe the steps in creating an AI system - capturing sample data, training the algorithm and testing the outputs.
Students can recognise at least one real-world application of AI, identify which part of the problem has been automated by AI and explain how it is likely to have been trained.
Students have considered at least one social and ethical issue arising from AI's use.
Students have critically evaluated the output of at least one Generative AI system.
To book this activity, please contact:Nick Nurock
07762 470432
info@standupcomputing.com
https://standupcomputing.com
The STEM Directory is provided as a service to support you in finding enrichment opportunities. The activities are offered by external providers and are not endorsed by STEM Learning. We are not responsible for their content or delivery.
How to take part/get started
Please note that I generally deliver this workshop to schools in Greater London but please get in touch if you are based elsewhere, as I may still be able to arrange a visit.
You can check my availability and book online at StandupComputing.com. Alternatively, please email info@standupcomputing.com and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Published | 15 August 2022 |
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Last modified | 14 February 2025 |
Nature of scheme | In-school visit |
Subject(s) | STEM Clubs, Computing, Impact of technology |
Category | Indoor Activity |
Age | 7-11, 11-14 |
Running times | 1-4 hours |
Cost | £450 Visits within Greater London: £450 for a half-day visit, £650 for a full-day visit. Each session normally lasts 90 minutes but timings are flexible. |
Risk assessment | Yes |