Real-world readiness

Smart About AI

AI is in homework, games and phones. Learners find out what AI is and isn't, catch it when it's wrong, protect their privacy and use it honestly, with families learning alongside.

4 sessions · adapts to all four learner tiers (K–college)

Start session 1 Print a Rep Card

Core tool

The AI Check

Who made it and what is it for? · Is it right? Check it against a trusted source · Is it safe to share? Never personal information · Is it honest to use here? Follow your teacher's rules and say when you used it.

Before you start: quick self-check

Rate each line from 1 (not yet) to 5 (definitely) before session 1, then again after your Real-World Rep.

I can explain what AI is and isn't
I check AI answers before I trust them

The sessions

4 sessions, three beats each.

Every session runs Hook → Rep → Reflect, so learners know what to expect each time.

  1. Session 1

    What Is AI, Really?

    Hook5–10 min

    Is a calculator AI? A video game character? A chatbot?

    Rep10–30 min

    Sort everyday tools into AI or not, and explain in your own words how AI learns from examples

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  2. Session 2

    When AI Gets It Wrong

    Hook5–10 min

    An AI answer that sounds sure of itself but is wrong

    Rep10–30 min

    Fact-check three AI answers against a trusted source and spot made-up details

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  3. Session 3

    Private Means Private

    Hook5–10 min

    What happens to what you type into an app?

    Rep10–30 min

    Make a "never share" list and check the privacy settings on one app with a parent

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  4. Session 4

    Using AI Honestly

    Hook5–10 min

    Two students use AI on the same essay: one learns, one copies

    Rep10–30 min

    Write your own AI-use rules for homework and practice telling a teacher how you used AI

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

Real-World Rep

Do an AI Check on one AI answer with a family member and talk about what you found.

By age

How it adapts for each learner tier.

K–5

Sprouts

20 min sessions

Robot-or-person guessing games, "AI makes mistakes too," and never typing your name or address. Best done with a parent or teacher.

6–8

Builders

30 min sessions

AI in games and apps, fact-checking, fake images and videos, and your school's AI rules.

9–12

Launchers

40 min sessions

Using AI to study vs. to cheat, spotting AI-made misinformation, and how AI is changing jobs.

College & first-year adults

Leaders

50 min or self-paced sessions

AI at college and work, citing AI use, privacy and data, and writing your own AI-use rules.

For teachers & facilitators

Follow your school's AI and acceptable-use policies and each tool's age requirements; many AI tools don't allow children under 13. Every lesson can be taught without students using an AI tool. Present AI's limits and risks alongside its benefits.