AI Curriculum for Third Grade
- Susan Kennedy
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Third graders are ready for deeper AI learning. They can think more critically and handle bigger projects. Here's my 12-week plan that builds real understanding.
What's Different at Third Grade Level
Third graders can compare ideas, solve problems, and work on longer projects. They're also starting to understand how technology affects their world.
This curriculum goes beyond "AI is cool" to "How does AI actually work?"
Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: AI vs Human Intelligence Compare how humans and computers solve the same problem. Use puzzles and math problems to show the differences.
Week 2: Training AI with Data Show how AI needs lots of examples to learn. Sort hundreds of pictures to "teach" AI about cats vs dogs.
Week 3: Smart Homes and Cities Explore how AI makes buildings and cities smarter. Design their own smart classroom on paper.
Week 4: AI in Games and Apps Look at how AI creates characters in video games and suggests videos on YouTube. Discuss why AI shows them certain content.
Week 5: Machine Learning Basics Use simple sorting games to show how computers find patterns in big amounts of information.
Week 6: AI and Art Create complex images with AI tools. Compare AI art with human art. Discuss what makes each special.
Week 7: Writing Partners Use AI to help brainstorm, edit, and improve their writing. Learn when AI helps and when human creativity is better.
Week 8: AI Scientists and Researchers Research real AI inventions. Interview someone who works with AI (virtually or in person).
Week 9: Bias and Fairness Discover how AI can be unfair to certain groups. Use simple examples they can understand.
Week 10: Building Simple AI Create basic decision trees and simple "AI" programs using flowcharts and basic coding.
Week 11: AI Ethics Deep Dive Discuss harder questions: Should AI replace human jobs? When is using AI to help with homework okay?
Week 12: Future Innovators Project Students design solutions to real problems using AI. Present their ideas to parents and other classes.
Key Skills They'll Develop
Critical thinking: Questioning how and why AI works
Problem-solving: Using AI tools to tackle real challenges
Digital citizenship: Understanding AI's impact on society
Creativity: Combining human ideas with AI capabilities
Communication: Explaining complex AI concepts to others
Real-World Connections
Third graders love connecting learning to their lives. We explore:
How AI affects their favorite games and apps
Why their parents' phones can recognize faces
How AI helps doctors, teachers, and scientists
What jobs might exist when they grow up
Assessment and Growth
Students should keep an AI journal throughout the year. They track:
New AI tools they discover
Questions they have about AI
Ways they use AI to help with learning
Ideas for future AI inventions
Getting Started
Third graders can handle more independence with AI tools. Start with supervised exploration, then gradually give them more freedom as they show good judgment.
The key is balancing wonder with wisdom.
How are you preparing third graders for an AI-powered future?
Comentarios