Machine Learning Basics
CONCEPTUALHow machine learning works at a conceptual level: show the computer many examples, it finds patterns, then it makes predictions about new things; hands-on experience with Teachable Machine or similar tool
Mastery Evidence
- Describe the three steps of machine learning in simple terms (give examples, find patterns, make predictions)
- Train a simple model using a tool like Teachable Machine and describe what happened
- Explain why showing more and better examples makes the model more accurate
Assessment Prompt
“Could [child] describe how you teach a computer to recognise something — by showing it lots of examples until it spots the pattern?”
Prerequisites2
- Data and Information for ComputershardAges 7—9
- Patterns and ClassificationhardAges 7—9
Show full prerequisite tree
- Step-by-Step Instructions soft
Understanding algorithms helps grasp how voice assistants process commands
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know computers exist before understanding they follow exact instructions
- Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices hard
Must understand smart devices before exploring voice assistants as a specific smart device
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know what computers are before sorting smart vs not-smart things
- Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices hard
Must understand smart things before spotting AI all around daily life
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know what computers are before sorting smart vs not-smart things
- Step-by-Step Instructions hard
Must understand that computers follow instructions before learning about data as their input
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know computers exist before understanding they follow exact instructions
- Patterns and Classification hard
Must understand patterns and sorting before grasping the training process
- Data and Information for Computers hard
Must understand data before learning how computers find patterns in it
- Step-by-Step Instructions soft
Understanding algorithms helps grasp how voice assistants process commands
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know computers exist before understanding they follow exact instructions
- Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices hard
Must understand smart devices before exploring voice assistants as a specific smart device
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know what computers are before sorting smart vs not-smart things
- Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices hard
Must understand smart things before spotting AI all around daily life
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know what computers are before sorting smart vs not-smart things
- Step-by-Step Instructions hard
Must understand that computers follow instructions before learning about data as their input
- Computers in Everyday Life hard
Must know computers exist before understanding they follow exact instructions
Unlocks5
- Bias in AI SystemshardAges 9—11
- AI Mistakes and LimitationshardAges 7—9
- Humans Versus MachineshardAges 7—9
- Deepfakes and AI-Generated ContentsoftAges 9—11
- AI and the EnvironmenthardAges 9—11