Unit: How Computers Think — An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Lesson 4 of 10

Duration: 30 minutes

Student: Amani Syed, Age 6, Grade 1

Educator: Megan Wainwright, Certified Montessori Educator

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FIRST / THEN Statement

First, we will explore how AI sees patterns like our bodies and cats, then we will play a fun game to discover which AI knows what!

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Interest Anchor

Today’s lesson connects to anatomy and technology — just like how Amani knows the heart and blood flow, AI learns patterns it is trained on, and we’ll see how its learning depends on what it has been shown.

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Learning Objectives & Standards Alignment

Florida B.E.S.T. English Language Arts (ELA.1.R.1.3):

• Demonstrate understanding of who is telling a story or speaking in a text (linking narrator awareness to AI’s training).

Florida B.E.S.T. Mathematics (MA.1.DP.1.1):

• Organize, represent, and interpret data involving patterns through sorting and classifying.

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards Science (SC.1.N.1.1):

• Use observations to describe patterns of motion, sounds, and objects.
• Understand that AI uses pattern recognition similarly to how we recognize familiar organs or animals.

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Regulation Note

• Begin with a 5-minute familiar anatomy review to confirm engagement and regulation.
• If Amani shows signs of dysregulation, pause and switch to proprioceptive input (e.g., wall push-ups). Return to review or postpone new concept.
• Maintain calm, predictable environment and visual First/Then board throughout.

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Materials and Control of Error Designs

• Nomenclature Cards: Anatomy parts and cat photos with matching AI labels (self-check through color-coded backs).
• Game Board: AI systems represented by simple icons with tactile matching cards for questions (“Can this AI answer ___?”). If a card fits on the correct AI, it stays flat; if not, it tilts or doesn’t fit snugly (physical COE).
• Drawing Supplies: Paper and colored pencils for illustrating AI’s “seeing” patterns.

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Lesson Delivery Script with Numbered Steps

1. Warm-Up Review (5 minutes):
   “Amani, let’s look at your heart and blood flow cards, just like last time. Tell me which part moves blood,” while pointing at the anatomy cards. Wait patiently for response or alternative communication.

2. Introduction to AI and Patterns (7 minutes):
   “Imagine AI is like a clever cat — it learns to know things it is shown many times. AI sees patterns — like the shape of your heart or the color of a cat’s fur. But if it never saw your red heart before, it won’t recognize it!”

   Chant rhythm (to music or clap):
   “AI learns, AI sees, only what we teach with ease!”
   Repeat 3 times with hand motions (tap head, point eyes, hands open teaching gesture).

   Show three AI icons on the game board (e.g. Cat AI, Anatomy AI, Space AI) with names and simple images — introduce each.

3. Pattern Recognition Game (12 minutes):

   • “Now, let’s play a game! I will ask you questions and you decide which AI can answer them. If you think the AI can answer, place the question card on its spot.”
   • Example cards: “Where is the heart?” (Anatomy AI), “What color is a cat?” (Cat AI), “How far is Earth from the Sun?” (Space AI).
   • Amani places cards independently then checks accuracy through the control of error system (cards that wobble or don’t fit mean ‘try again’, no verbal correction).
   • Allow drawing moment: “Draw what AI sees when it looks at your heart or a cat.” Encourage her to label or dictate words to educator for scribing.

4. Reflection and Chant Review (5 minutes):

   • Ask: “What did AI learn today? Can AI know everything?” Pause 10 seconds.
   • Repeat chant together: “AI learns, AI sees, only what we teach with ease!”
   • Connect to anatomy: “Just like you learned all about your heart by looking, AI needs to be taught patterns carefully.”

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Low-Sensory Alternative

• Use printed black-and-white cards only (no textures or scented markers).
• Silent chant instead of vocal singing.
• Game is done visually and by pointing only; verbal communication optional.

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Station Version for Independent Practice

• Amani can access the AI pattern matching cards with magnetic backs on a small board during independent work time.
• Drawing prompts with three-part cards (picture, label, and definition) on AI and patterns vocabulary.

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Portfolio Note

• Photograph Amani placing game cards on AI icons to document pattern recognition and classification skills demonstrating MA.1.DP.1.1 (data organization and interpretation) and SC.1.N.1.1 (science observation of patterns).
• Archive her drawing with educator scribed caption linking to formative assessment of ELA.1.R.1.3 (understanding who “knows” information).
• Annotate evidence of echolalia integration via chant participation and regulation strategies applied.

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Summary

This lesson leverages Amani’s strong anatomy interest and emerging technology curiosity to explore AI’s pattern recognition through concrete, tactile activities and rhythmic chants. The prepared Montessori-style materials with built-in Control of Error ensure self-correction without external pressure. The lesson is concise, regulation-sensitive, and offers both teacher-led and independent practice modes to optimize engagement and compliance with the Florida B.E.S.T. and NGSSS standards.

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If you would like me to develop any follow-up activities, visual aids, or guided scripts for this lesson, please just ask!