What is artificial intelligence (AI) and how does it work?
Objective: The worksheet provides a basic understanding of what artificial intelligence (AI) is, how it learns through training, and where it is used in everyday life. It sensitizes learners to the differences between human thinking and machine processing, as well as to the need for human support.
Content and methods: In terms of content, the worksheet teaches the basics of artificial intelligence, how it works using examples such as image recognition and AI-supported traffic light control, and its limitations in complex or unexpected situations. Methodologically, learners identify AI applications in everyday life, analyze a practical case study, and test their knowledge of AI with a true/false quiz. This promotes both theoretical understanding and critical reflection on the use of AI.
Competencies:
- Basic technical understanding: Understanding the principle of “learning from examples”
- Critical reflection: Recognizing that AI is prone to errors and requires human guidance
- Transferability: Linking abstract definitions to concrete everyday situations
Target group and level: Grade 3 and above
50 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
Grade 3 and above
Subjects
What is artificial intelligence (AI) and how does it work?
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence refers to computers or programs that imitate parts of human intelligence. For example, they can:
- Recognize images 👀
- Understand language 👂
- Solve problems 🧩
👉 Important: AI is not human. It has no feelings, but follows rules and examples.
🧠 Where do you encounter artificial intelligence in everyday life?
Check the box and explain briefly:
| Example | Applies | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Voice assistants | ||
| Cell phone cameras | ||
| Robot vacuum cleaners | ||
| Educational games |
How does AI work?
AI learns from many examples.
📦 Example:
A computer sees many pictures of cats.
It remembers: Cats have ears, whiskers, and eyes.
Later, it recognizes new pictures of cats.
👉 This is called training.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and How Does It Work with Traffic Lights?
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is like a smart computer brain. It helps machines think and learn, just like people do. Now, let's see how AI can help with traffic lights!
Traffic lights tell cars when to stop and go. Sometimes, they can be slow or make long lines of cars. AI can help traffic lights work better. It can watch the cars and decide when to change the lights. This makes the cars move faster and safer.
AI does this by using cameras or sensors to see how many cars are waiting. If there are lots of cars, AI can make the green light stay on longer. If there are no cars, it can change to red faster. This helps cars move smoothly.
But AI isn't perfect. It can sometimes make mistakes if it doesn't see all the cars. It can also have trouble if the sensors get dirty or broken. AI needs people to check and fix it when things go wrong.
In short, AI is a helpful tool that can make traffic lights smarter, but it still needs help from people to work its best!
🤖 Artificial Intelligence: True or False?
Check the box:
| Statement | True | False |
|---|---|---|
| AI can have feelings. | ||
| AI learns from examples. | ||
| AI sometimes makes mistakes. | ||
| AI can decide for itself what is right or wrong. | ||
| Humans must show AI how to solve tasks. | ||
| AI can be creative on its own, just like humans. | ||
| AI can help us in everyday life, e.g., with games or tasks. |
Artificial Intelligence Description
Artificial intelligence is a smart computer that learns from examples and can help us.
Mini game: „Human or AI?“
The teacher reads the statements aloud. After each statement, the children quickly indicate whether it is a human or AI:
A computer recognizes faces → 🤖 AI
Someone comforts a child → ✋ Human
A program translates languages → 🤖 AI
A robot plays a piece of music → 🤖 AI
A teacher explains a new game → ✋ Human
A computer searches for a picture of a dog → 🤖 AI
A doctor examines a child → ✋ Human
A robot drives through a maze → 🤖 AI
Someone tells a funny joke → ✋ Human
A voice assistant answers a question → 🤖 AI
Someone drives a car → 🤖 AI/ ✋ Human
Someone assists with surgery → 🤖 AI/ ✋ Human
Extension: Discussion round
After the game, the teacher can ask questions:
- Were there any statements that surprised you?
- Where could AI help in everyday life?
- Where is it better for a human to do the task?
Extra variation for movement:
Children stand up when they think of humans.
- Children squat down when they think of AI.