Exploring Artificial Intelligence

Learning Objective

By the end of the lesson, Year 4 pupils will be able to explain what artificial intelligence (AI) is, identify positive and negative aspects of AI in society, evaluate AI-generated content critically, and participate in AI-related activities to demonstrate understanding in alignment with the National Curriculum for Computing (Key Stage 2).

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National Curriculum Alignment

Computing Programme of Study: Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)

• Understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.
• Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
• Understand the opportunities computer networks offer for communication and collaboration.
• Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.

Specific Reference to Purple Mash Computing Scheme - Unit 4.10

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Encourages critical engagement with AI concepts fitting for Year 4
• Supports computing vocabulary acquisition and digital literacy

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Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Define Artificial Intelligence in their own words using age-appropriate vocabulary.
• Identify and discuss positive and negative impacts of AI from news headlines.
• Critically analyse AI-generated presentations and content for accuracy and bias.
• Reflect on ethical and societal issues linked to AI, including fake news and data bias.
• Participate actively in an AI quiz and an AI drawing game, recognising how AI learns from human input.
• Demonstrate understanding of key vocabulary related to AI by recalling definitions.

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Assessment for Learning (AfL) Opportunities

• Oral Questioning and Discussion:
  During Slide 5, encourage children to share prior knowledge and experiences with AI. Use exit questions to gauge understanding.
• Mind Mapping with 2Connect:
  Observe contributions to the mind map—check for misconceptions or gaps on AI understanding.
• Guided Critical Thinking:
  Use scaffolded questioning during the AI presentation (Slides 8–15) to prompt evaluation of content and presentation style. Assess children's ability to critique effectively.
• AI Quiz (Slide 16):
  Instant feedback provided through the quiz; use answers to highlight misunderstandings and deepen comprehension.
• Quick, Draw Activity (Slide 17):
  Observe engagement and comprehension through children's discussions of how AI recognises drawings.
• Vocabulary Pop Quiz (Slide 18):
  Interactive vocabulary reveal helps assess retention and understanding of new terms.
• Success Criteria Self-Assessment (Slide 19):
  Hand-raising or thumbs-up/down gives a quick, visual indicator of pupils' confidence in their learning.

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Lesson Outline & Activities

Slide 2 – Lesson Aims

• Introduce the topic: What is Artificial Intelligence?
• Explore where AI is seen in daily life and the news.
• Critically assess AI-generated information.
• Understand AI’s societal impact, both positive and negative.

Slide 3 – Success Criteria

Display the success criteria listed above and explain it clearly.

Slide 4 – Vocabulary Overview

Introduce key vocabulary: Artificial Intelligence, Algorithm, Data Bias, Fake News, Machine Learning, Presentation, Internet, Quiz, Recognition. Use simple definitions and examples.

Slide 5 – Activity 1: What is Artificial Intelligence?

• Facilitate a class discussion, recording children’s thoughts on the whiteboard or using 2Connect mind mapping tool to capture ideas.
• Prompt with questions such as: "Where have you seen or heard about AI?" and "What do you think AI can do?"

Slide 6 – AI in the News: Positives

• Present child-friendly headlines showing positive AI use cases (e.g., healthcare innovation, environmental protection).
• Discuss these stories, clarifying any difficult vocabulary or concepts.

Slide 7 – AI in the News: Negatives

• Present headlines and stories focusing on the risks or downsides (e.g., fake news, data bias).
• Guide discussion on why AI sometimes may cause problems.

Slides 8-15 – What is Artificial Intelligence? Presentation

• Show AI-generated slides.
• Critique slides on: font readability, colour contrast, wordiness, and content suitability.
• Ask critical questions:
  • Does AI “think” like humans?
  • Where does AI get its data? Is the data fair and accurate?
  • Can AI always be trusted?
  • What impact could fake AI videos have?
  • Why are some downsides missing in AI-generated presentations?

Slide 16 – Activity 2: AI Quiz

• Conduct a fun, interactive quiz created by AI (ChatGPT).
• Use this to reinforce learning and clarify misconceptions.

Slide 17 – Activity 3: Quick, Draw

• Show the video explaining AI in “Quick, Draw.”
• Invite children to draw familiar objects and observe if the AI recognises them.
• Discuss how AI learns from human input and improves over time.

Slide 18 – Vocabulary Review

• Use an interactive slide revealing definitions of key terms introduced earlier.
• Encourage children to volunteer definitions and correct any misunderstandings.

Slide 19 – Review Success Criteria

• Invite children to self-rate how well they met each success criterion with a show of hands or thumbs-up/down.
• Prompt reflection on their learning journey during the lesson.

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WOW Teacher Tips to Impress

• Incorporate live, real-time AI tools or demos (where practical and safe) to show AI applications in the classroom, e.g., a simple voice assistant or an image recognition app (with prior safeguarding).
• Use mind mapping software (2Connect) interactively in the lesson, saving and revisiting digital mind maps to trace pupils’ growing understanding across the unit.
• Frame ethical questions to stimulate debate and critical thinking, drawing links to current affairs and children's lives, integrating cross-curricular elements from PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education).
• Encourage pupils to create their own AI headlines or mini presentations later in the unit, assessing comprehension and creativity.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard or interactive board with 2Connect software
• Slides 2–19 as outlined above (can be created within Purple Mash or presentation software)
• Video for Quick, Draw AI explanation
• Quiz questions ready in interactive format or paper-based as backup

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This detailed and interactive lesson plan harnesses the National Curriculum’s computing aims, allows pupils to engage critically with emerging technologies, and empowers teachers with clear AfL steps and success criteria to track learning powerfully.