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Many children are naturally intrigued by sharks, particularly their numerous sharp teeth. Educators have harnessed this fascination with these captivating apex predators to instruct students on the principles of artificial intelligence. This innovative approach uses the allure of shark teeth to introduce middle school students to artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in science and beyond.
Researchers specializing in AI literacy and STEM education have developed a series of lessons utilizing fossilized shark teeth to demonstrate both the power and potential challenges of AI. This engaging curriculum aims to make complex technological concepts accessible and relatable for younger learners.
The curriculum guides middle school students and teachers through the process of constructing and assessing computer vision models capable of accurately classifying fossilized shark teeth. Computer vision, a subset of artificial intelligence, employs algorithms and extensive image datasets to categorize and identify objects. This technology is the same as that used in applications like Google Lens for plant identification and self-driving vehicles for obstacle and pedestrian recognition.
The free Shark AI curriculum comprises five modules aligned with national and state science education standards, which define essential knowledge and skills for each grade level. These lessons are meticulously crafted to foster student interest in AI, data science, paleontology, and the scientific method.
The primary goal of Shark AI is to demonstrate that expertise in computer science is not a prerequisite for utilizing, teaching, or learning AI. Educators across disciplines are encouraged to integrate AI education into K-12 learning environments to ensure meaningful technological integration.
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Integrating AI into Science Education
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing numerous aspects of modern life.
To adequately prepare students for a future shaped by AI, it’s crucial to introduce them to this technology within the educational system. Currently, many resources for teaching AI in K-12 settings concentrate primarily on the technology itself. Consequently, these learning opportunities are often confined to specialized courses like computer science and engineering, which may not be universally accessible across all schools.
The comprehensive integration of AI into education is a relatively new endeavor, with many teacher training programs just beginning to incorporate this subject matter. Therefore, professional development initiatives are essential for current educators to gain knowledge and skills in AI.
Research indicates that science teachers hold diverse preconceived notions regarding AI. Moreover, many educators express apprehension about teaching subjects in which they have limited personal experience. Surveys reveal that a significant portion of educators feel uneasy with AI technology, suggesting a potential reluctance to incorporate AI lessons into already demanding curricula.
Classifying Shark Teeth with AI
To overcome this unfamiliarity, the curriculum begins by introducing different forms of AI, including natural language processing, automated speech recognition, and computer vision. Students then engage with fossil kits containing authentic fossilized shark teeth, alongside a 3D-printed tooth from a megalodon – an extinct giant shark that inhabited oceans millions of years ago. Initially, students categorize the teeth according to their own criteria, such as size, color, or form. Subsequently, they learn conventional scientific methods for fossil classification and practice sorting teeth by shark species and dietary habits.
Subsequently, students utilize Google Teachable Machine, a complimentary online platform powered by TensorFlow.js, a robust machine learning model trained on vast numbers of images. This enables them to build personalized computer vision models for classifying fossilized shark teeth. Data for these models can come from student-captured images of teeth from their kits or from images sourced from online databases such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History paleobiology digital collection or iDigBio.
Occasionally, the models may misclassify teeth, providing educators with an opportunity to discuss biases and limitations inherent in computer vision. This highlights the importance of training AI systems with large, diverse datasets of high quality images.
The Shark AI curriculum culminates with students developing, presenting, and discussing their own computer vision models.
These activities enable students to grasp core AI principles, such as the comparative strengths and weaknesses of AI versus human intelligence. They also learn paleontological concepts, including the fossil record and how studying fossils can reveal information about Earth’s biological history.
Educators are given the adaptability to adjust the activities, their order, and the time allocated to the curriculum. This flexibility allows them to emphasize elements that best align with their specific teaching requirements and objectives.
To equip teachers to effectively use Shark AI, week-long professional learning sessions are conducted. In these sessions, teachers learn about the applications of AI in scientific contexts, practice the curriculum activities, and participate in in-depth discussions designed to clarify and demystify the technology.
A vital aspect of this training is fostering a supportive community among educators. They are provided with opportunities to connect, brainstorm, and collaboratively address challenges throughout the academic year.
The Shark AI team also frequently engages with teachers individually, offering personalized assistance, often addressing questions related to Google Teachable Machine. Additionally, teachers convene as a group periodically to strengthen community bonds.
Through these supportive measures, it has been observed that teachers demonstrably improve their understanding and perspectives on AI, developing confidence and readiness to teach science using AI methodologies.