Educators Guide and Curriculum

Day of AI Curriculum

Developed by leading faculty and educators from MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education) and other partners, the Day of AI curriculum aims to provide all students with the foundational knowledge necessary for our rapidly changing world. The Day of AI curriculum follows a spiral curriculum approach, as outlined in the UNESCO AI Competency Framework for Students. Students are exposed to progressively developing AI knowledge and skills, rather than isolated topics. AI concepts are revisited with increasing complexity, ensuring a strong foundation through repeated exposure and application. To learn more about AI Literacy and why it is vital for students, we recommend reading this informative article.

Materials and Resources

30 to 60-minute lessons, all available at no cost
Accessible content relevant to all learners
Organized by recommended levels and ages for implementation
All curricula include an educator guide, teacher slides, and relevant student pages

AI Literacy Foundations

AI for Early Elementary

Updated for 2025! An introductory set of activities for young learners

(Ages 5-7)

What is AI?

This lesson plan introduces young children (ages 5–7) to Artificial Intelligence (AI) through engaging activities and simple explanations. It focuses on helping students understand the difference between artificial and natural items. It introduces the idea that machines can act smart using sensors like cameras and microphones, much as humans use their senses. The lesson includes interactive activities, such as sorting objects into "artificial" or "natural" categories and comparing human senses with machine sensors. Students will also engage in a fun activity where they create their AI robot by drawing it and understanding how it uses sensors to do its job. The lesson concludes with reflection questions to reinforce understanding, encouraging students to share their favorite parts and discuss how machines might learn to help people. There is also an optional family-focused opportunity. This lesson plan sets a solid foundation for young learners to begin to explore AI at a developmentally appropriate level.

Approx. 30–60 minutes (total)

What is AI?

NEW: lower and upper grade activities! An introduction to what AI is and how it works

(Ages 8-10, 11-13, 14 and up)

1. What is AI?

Students are introduced to a common definition of Artificial Intelligence, and play a game to help discern what is considered AI and what is not.

Approx. 45–60 minutes

2. How Do Machines Learn (An Introduction)

Students learn about the process of machine learning, starting with data and datasets. They then play with Google Quick, Draw! and apply what they learned about the machine learning process to understanding how Quick, Draw! was created.

Approx. 45-60 minutes

3. What is an Algorithm?

Students learn the definition for an algorithm, and then engage in an experiential activity in which they write directions for their teacher in the form of an algorithm.

Approx. 45-60 minutes

How Do Machines Learn?

Lessons exploring how AI models are built and the potential risks of that process.

(Ages 8-10, 11-13, 14 and up)

Prerequisite: What is AI?

1. Teachable Machines

Students use Teachable Machines to train a machine to recognize certain images.

Approx. 60 minutes

2. Bias in AI

Students learn what algorithmic bias is, and consider how the data used to train a model impacts its results.

Approx. 30 minutes

How Do Machines Create?

Students will discover how generative AI creates new content and examine its technology and its ethical impacts.

(Ages 12–18)

Prerequisites: What is AI? and How do Machines Learn?

1. What is Generative AI?

Students will learn the difference between AI systems that classify/predict and those that create new content. They will explore how AI recognizes patterns in data to generate images, text, and sounds. Through interactive discussions and a hands-on activity, students will identify examples of AI’s capabilities and reflect on the ethical implications of generative AI.

Approx. 60 minutes

2. Generating Images with AI

Students will dive into how AI creates images using two methods: trial-and-error (Generative Adversarial Networks) and refining random noise (Diffusion Models). They will engage in simplified activities to mimic these processes, compare them to human creativity, and discuss the similarities and differences in how AI and humans create.

Approx. 45 minutes

3. Deep Fakes

Students will examine the concept of deep fakes and their potential societal impacts. They will analyze scenarios showcasing both positive and negative uses of AI-generated content, reflect on ethical responsibilities, and create guidelines for minimizing harm. This lesson highlights the importance of critical thinking in evaluating the consequences of AI misuse.

Approx. 30 minutes

AI and Ethics

Materials to Hold a Class Debate on AI or Create an AI Code of Conduct! (These activities can be taught in any order)

(Ages 10–18)

Prerequisites: What is AI? How do Machines Learn? and How do Machines Create?

1. AI Ethics Debate Materials

This activity engages students in exploring the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). Through a structured class debate, students will take on the perspectives of key stakeholders—tech companies, governments, educators, and everyday users—to examine real-world dilemmas such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the use of facial recognition technology. By exploring diverse viewpoints, students will develop critical thinking skills, understand ethical AI usage more deeply, and reflect on the complexities of balancing innovation with fairness and safety.

Approx. 60–90 minutes

2. Ethical Use of AI Exploration

Students will learn about ethical principles related to AI, discuss real-world implications, and collaboratively create their own ethical AI guidelines. This is meant to be a self-guided exploration for students to work independently or with a partner.

Approx. 60–90 minutes