Exploring AI Daily

Overview

This is Lesson 2 of 2 in the unit "AI: Our Daily Ally" designed for Year 4 students aged 8-9 in line with the National Curriculum for England (Technology - Computing). This 45-minute lesson deepens understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its practical uses in everyday life, ethical considerations, bias, and encourages pupils to form a balanced viewpoint.

National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2 - Computing

Understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web (PoS: KS2 Computing - Networks)
Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact (PoS: KS2 Computing - Online safety)
Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content (PoS: KS2 Computing - Searching and Evaluating)
Understand how algorithms work as well as how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; understand that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions (PoS: KS2 Computing - Algorithms and Programming foundations)

Cross-Curricular Links

PSHE: Understanding impact of technology and ethical use
English: Speaking & Listening, Discussion, Critical Thinking

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

Explain key real-world examples of AI used in daily life (e.g. voice assistants, recommendation systems, smart technologies).
Discuss the benefits and potential limitations or biases of AI.
Work collaboratively to create a balanced mind map showing positive and negative aspects of AI in everyday contexts.
Reflect critically on how AI impacts individuals and communities, encouraging responsible attitudes towards technology.

Resources

Whiteboard and markers
Projector & screen (to show AI examples video/images)
Printed AI applications cards (with descriptions and questions)
Large paper sheets or A3 mind map templates for group activity
Sticky notes in two colours (e.g. green for benefits, red for concerns)
Vocabulary list (AI, bias, data, algorithm, ethical, assistant, recommendation)

Lesson Timings & Structure

1. Starter (5 minutes)

Recap briefly on Lesson 1: What is AI?
Use a quick quiz Q&A to activate prior knowledge, e.g. "Can you name an example of AI you might have seen or used?"
Explain today's goals: explore AI's role more deeply and think about both good and tricky sides.

2. Exploring Real-World AI Examples (10 minutes)

Present 4-5 everyday examples of AI with visuals and short videos:
- Voice assistants (e.g. Alexa, Siri)
- Recommendation systems (Netflix, YouTube)
- Smart devices (smart thermostats)
- AI in transport (smart traffic lights)
For each, ask guided questions:
- How does this AI help us?
- Can you think of a time you or your family use this?
- What worries might someone have about this AI?

3. Discussion: Benefits and Biases of AI (10 minutes)

Introduce concept of AI bias and limitations (age-appropriate explanation, e.g., "Sometimes AI can make mistakes or not be fair because of the information it learns from.")
Show a simplified story/example of AI getting confused or unfair (e.g., facial recognition missing some faces).
Whole-class discussion:
- What are the good things AI does?
- What might be some problems or unfair parts?
- How can we make sure AI is helpful for everyone?

4. Group Activity: Balanced Mind Map Creation (15 minutes)

Divide class into 5 mixed-ability groups (6 pupils per group).
Give each group a large sheet or template with "AI in Our Daily Lives" at the centre.
Groups use sticky notes to write and place:
- Green sticky notes: Benefits/examples of AI
- Red sticky notes: Concerns or biases/problems
Encourage groups to discuss and come up with at least 3 green and 3 red points each, guided by printed AI example cards.
As groups work, circulate and prompt critical thinking ("Are there examples we haven’t thought about? Can AI always be trusted?")

5. Plenary & Reflection (5 minutes)

Groups briefly share one benefit and one concern from their mind maps.
Summarise key messages: AI is powerful and helpful but we must be aware it isn’t perfect and must be used fairly and carefully.
Pose a reflective question for discussion or journaling:
“If you could design your own AI, what would it do to help people, and how would you make sure it is fair?”

Assessment

Formative assessment through questioning during starter, AI examples discussion and group activity.
Group mind maps demonstrate understanding of balanced perspectives on AI.
Teacher notes the quality of reasoning and critical thinking evident during discussions.
Plenary sharing gives insights into pupil confidence and comprehension.

Differentiation

Provide sentence starters or word banks for pupils who need language support (e.g., "One good thing about AI is..."; "One problem with AI might be...").
Challenge higher-attaining pupils to suggest ways AI could be improved or ask complex ethical questions.
Visual aids and concrete examples to support understanding for all learners.

Extension Ideas (if time/interest)

Pupils draw or write a short story imagining a day helped by AI, including a “problem” the AI solves or causes.
Introduce simple coding activity: use a block-based coding environment to simulate an AI decision (e.g. sorting objects by colour or shape).

Teacher Notes / Tips

Use relatable AI examples connected to children’s everyday experiences to engage interest.
Reinforce the importance of respectful, thoughtful technology use as part of digital citizenship.
Encourage critical thinking rather than fear or blind trust in AI.
Highlight links to PSHE topics about responsibility and diversity when discussing bias.

This lesson plan supports UK statutory Computing requirements while inspiring curiosity and ethical awareness about emerging technologies in an accessible manner for Year 4 pupils.

Teaching Instructions