Exploring Agentic AI

I will teach two people as pilot students about Generative AI and agentic AI. I will start with the value proposition of agentic AI, what it is good for, what value it has already provided, what it definitely will provide, what is hype and what is not. I will then teach them about what's happening at a low level when calling an LLM and how to think about AI in its current state with respect to memory (i.e. how it essentially has short term memory loss except with certain strategies such as conversation history and memory). After this I will explain the main components you need to understand to use AI today including tools, system prompt, KB, etc. Then I will show them myself using an agentic AI tool and give them a task to use it themselves. We'll walk through using an agentic assistant. We will conclude by wrapping back to the things they should look out for in business where they can accelerate their work or create new business value using AI.

Overview

This 180-minute session introduces 12th-grade students to generative and agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on practical understanding, critical thinking, and hands-on engagement. Aligned with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (Grades 11-12), the lesson emphasizes analytical communication, technical literacy, collaborative problem solving, and real-world application.

Class Size

2 students

Common Core Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media to address a question or solve a problem.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas clearly and accurately.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on complex topics, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.6
Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this class, students will:

Explain the concept and value proposition of agentic AI, distinguishing fact from hype with examples.
Describe the underlying processes of large language models (LLMs), including AI’s memory limitations and management strategies.
Identify and analyze key components required for effective use of AI tools: system prompts, knowledge bases (KB), and auxiliary tools.
Demonstrate usage of an agentic AI assistant to complete a guided task.
Evaluate applications of agentic AI in business contexts to recognize opportunities for innovation and efficiency enhancement.
Collaborate to communicate technical concepts and reflections both orally and in writing.

Materials Needed

Computer with internet access for each student
Projector or large screen for demonstration
Access to an agentic AI tool platform (teacher’s account)
Printed glossary of AI terms
Notebook or digital note-taking tool

Detailed Lesson Schedule (180 minutes)

1. Introduction & Framing: Understanding Agentic AI (30 minutes)

Activity (20 min): Teacher-led discussion introducing agentic AI:
- Definition and value proposition
- Current proven uses vs. hype
- Examples of agentic AI success stories (e.g., AI in customer support, automated research assistants)
Student Engagement (10 min):
- Students compare agentic AI with generative AI and discuss aloud what practical uses seem realistic.
- Use of academic vocabulary focusing on domain-specific terms relevant to AI.

Standards: RST.11-12.7, SL.11-12.1, L.11-12.6

2. Deep Dive: How LLMs Work & AI Memory Constraints (35 minutes)

Mini-Lecture (15 min):
- Explanation of LLM operations at a low level (simplified) – tokens, model architecture, inference process
- Concept of AI “short-term memory” and strategies like conversation history and memory modules
Guided Analysis (20 min):
- Students review example prompt/response sequences with and without effective memory management
- Students note differences and possible AI pitfalls in real-world scenarios

Standards: RST.11-12.3, RST.11-12.7

3. Key Components of Using AI Today (Tools, Prompts, KB) (25 minutes)

Direct Instruction (10 min):
- Define and explain: system prompts, knowledge bases, integration of supporting tools (e.g., APIs & plugins)
Hands-on Framework Exercise (15 min):
- Students dissect system prompt examples and rewrite prompt instructions to improve clarity and AI output quality
- Discussion about how knowledge bases enhance agentic AI’s contextual performance

Standards: RST.11-12.3, W.11-12.2

4. Agentic AI Demonstration & Guided Practice (50 minutes)

Demonstration (15 min):
- Teacher live-demonstrates agentic AI tool: task management, note tracking, data retrieval
Paired Student Activity (30 min):
- Each student given an individual task related to researching a current issue or solving a simulated business problem using the agentic AI tool
- Teacher monitors, coaches, and discusses strategies in real time
Reflection Discussion (5 min):
- Share experiences, challenges, and surprises using AI tools

Standards: RST.11-12.3, SL.11-12.1

5. Business Implications & Ethical Awareness (30 minutes)

Discussion (15 min):
- Examine areas where agentic AI boosts productivity or creates competitive advantage
- Brainstorm potential risks, ethical considerations, and red flags in applying AI to business
Written Activity (15 min):
- Students compose a brief analytical summary evaluating how AI can transform or enhance a business area of their choice
- Use formal academic writing conventions

Standards: W.11-12.2, SL.11-12.1

6. Wrap-up, Review & Exit Ticket (10 minutes)

Teacher-led summary of key takeaways
Students complete an exit ticket: three facts learned, one question they still have, and one way they could use AI in their personal or academic lives
Preview of possible next lessons or independent explorations

Standards: SL.11-12.1, W.11-12.2

Assessment

Formative: Observation during discussions and practice activities, quality of rewritten prompts, participation
Summative: Analytical summary writing, exit ticket responses

Extensions & Modifications

For deeper engagement: Introduce coding an example prompt sequence using an accessible programming interface like Python notebooks in a future lesson.
For support: Provide glossary and scaffolds for technical language; encourage peer discussion for concept mastery.

Teacher’s Notes

Emphasize ethical AI use and critical evaluation to build healthy skepticism beyond hype.
Use accessible language to demystify complex AI concepts; avoid technical jargon overload.
With only two students, conversations can be highly personalized—leverage this for deeper understanding.
Encourage students to integrate literacy skills by structuring their prompts and summaries carefully.

This lesson plan situates students not just as AI users but as critical thinkers prepared to harness agentic AI responsibly and innovatively in academic and business contexts.

Teaching Instructions