AI Activities You Can Use With your 1st-12th Grade Classes

By L. G. Sanchez??

?AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here to stay. It will transform our lives in every aspect, including education. The sooner we embrace and integrate AI into the school curriculum and into each classroom, the sooner we will be working to provide our students with the skills they will need in?the not-too-distant future.??The discussion should not center on whether or not AI should be integrated into education, the question is when should it be integrated. My point of view is that it should be integrated immediately.??

???This implies that educators (teachers and facilitators) must be trained as soon as possible to carry this out. It also requires that this training be constantly carried out. Year to year isn't enough. Changes in the field of AI will be coming at a much faster rate than other fields because of the immense interest and the amount of money being invested in this technology. It will also cause a major shift in the job market of the future. That, however, is a topic for another article in the near future.??

???As a life-long educator, I realize that in order for educators to implement AI in their classes, they should be given a clear way to do so. Following are activities that integrate AI (in particular ChatGTP) into the classroom from 1st?grade through 12th?grade. These are just a few ideas integrating ChatGTP with various learning strategies, but they may start the creative juices of other educators flowing.??

Here's an activity to introduce ChatGPT to a 1st-grade class:?

Start by introducing ChatGPT as a friendly robot that knows a lot of things and can help answer any questions the students have.?

1. Ask the students to brainstorm a list of questions they would like to ask ChatGPT. These could be questions about animals, the environment, their favorite foods, or anything else they're curious about.?
2. Choose a few questions from the list and type them into ChatGPT. Read the responses out loud to the class and discuss the answers.?
3. Next, have the students take turns typing their own questions into ChatGPT. Encourage them to think of questions they haven't been able to find the answer to on their own.?
4. As each student receives an answer, have them share it with the class and discuss what they learned.?
5. Finally, have the students draw pictures of ChatGPT and the things they learned from the activity.?

Here's an activity to use ChatGPT in a 2nd-grade social studies class:?

Introduce ChatGPT as a helpful robot that knows a lot about different places and cultures around the world.?

1. Ask the students to brainstorm a list of countries or cultures they are interested in learning more about.?
2. Choose one or two countries from the list and type in questions about the culture and geography of that country into ChatGPT.?
3. Read the answers out loud to the class and have them discuss what they learned about the country. Encourage the students to ask follow-up questions if they have any.?
4. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different country to research. Have each group type in questions about their assigned country into ChatGPT and read the answers out loud to the rest of the class.?
5. As a class, discuss the similarities and differences between the cultures and geographies of the different countries. Encourage the students to think critically about what they learned and how it relates to their own lives.?
6. Finally, have the students create posters or presentations about the countries they researched, including the information they learned from ChatGPT.?

This activity not only introduces the students to ChatGPT but also encourages cultural awareness, critical thinking, and research skills.?

Here's an activity to use ChatGPT in a 3rd-grade science class that promotes cooperative group learning:?

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.?
2. Assign each group a different topic to research. For example, one group might research plants, while another group might research animals.?
3. Have each group come up with a list of questions they want to ask ChatGPT related to their topic. Encourage the students to think of open-ended questions that will lead to more in-depth answers.?
4. Have each group take turns typing their questions into ChatGPT and discussing the answers they receive. Encourage the students to take notes on the answers they receive.?
5. After each group has had a chance to ask their questions and discuss the answers, have the groups rotate to a different topic.?
6. Once all the groups have had a chance to research and discuss each topic, bring the class back together and have each group share what they learned with the rest of the class.?
7. As a class, discuss the similarities and differences between the different topics and what the students learned from ChatGPT.?
8. Finally, have the students create a class poster or presentation summarizing the information they learned about each topic.?

This activity not only promotes cooperative group learning but also encourages critical thinking and research skills. Additionally, using ChatGPT as a resource allows students to explore science topics in a more interactive and engaging way.?

Here's an activity to use ChatGPT in a flipped learning activity for a 4th-grade English class:?

1. Prior to class, create a list of vocabulary words related to a current unit of study. For example, if the class is reading a book about space, the vocabulary words might include "asteroid," "comet," and "gravity."?
2. Have students watch a short video or read a text that introduces the vocabulary words and provides definitions.?
3. After watching the video or reading the text, have students use ChatGPT to further explore the vocabulary words. Each student should type in one or two questions related to a vocabulary word and record the answers they receive from ChatGPT.?
4. In class, divide the students into small groups based on their vocabulary words. Have each group share their questions and answers with each other and discuss any additional questions or insights they have.?
5. As a class, review the vocabulary words and have each group share what they learned about their specific words. Encourage the students to use the words in sentences or give examples of how they might be used in context.?
6. Finally, have the students complete a vocabulary quiz or activity to reinforce their understanding of the words.?

This activity allows students to use ChatGPT as a resource to further explore and deepen their understanding of vocabulary words. It also promotes a flipped learning approach, where students engage with the material prior to class and use class time for discussion and application.?

Here's an activity to use ChatGPT in a project-based learning activity for a 5th-grade math class:?

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.?
2. Assign each group a different real-world problem related to math. For example, one group might be asked to calculate the cost of materials needed to build a treehouse, while another group might be asked to create a budget for a family vacation.?
3. Have each group use ChatGPT to research and explore the problem they were assigned. Encourage the students to ask questions related to the problem and use ChatGPT to help guide them toward solutions.?
4. Have each group work together to come up with a solution to their assigned problem, using the information they learned from ChatGPT.?
5. Once each group has a solution, have them create a presentation that includes their problem, their solution, and how they arrived at their solution. Encourage the students to use visual aids and real-world examples to illustrate their problem and solution.?
6. Have each group present their solution to the rest of the class. As a class, discuss the similarities and differences between the different problems and solutions presented.?
7. Finally, have the students reflect on the project and how ChatGPT helped them arrive at their solution. Ask them to think about how they might use ChatGPT in the future to help solve real-world problems.?

This project-based learning activity promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while also utilizing ChatGPT as a resource to help guide the students toward solutions.?

Here's an activity to use ChatGPT in a game-based learning activity for a 6th-grade history class:?

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.?
2. Choose a historical event or era for the game. For example, the American Revolution or the Roman Empire.?
3. Have each group come up with a list of questions related to the chosen historical event or era. Encourage the students to think of questions that require critical thinking and are not simply factual recall questions.?
4. Have each group take turns typing their questions into ChatGPT and writing down the answers they receive.?
5. Once all the groups have had a chance to ask and answer questions, have each group create a game using the questions and answers they gathered. The game could be a trivia game, a board game, or a digital game.?
6. Have each group present their game to the rest of the class and play each other's games.?
7. As a class, discuss the historical event or era and what the students learned from the game-based learning activity.?

This activity not only utilizes ChatGPT as a resource to help students explore historical events and eras, but it also promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity through game creation. The game-based approach can make the learning experience more engaging and memorable for students.?

Here's an activity to use ChatGPT in a debate activity for a 7th-grade history class:?

1. Divide the class into two teams and assign each team a different historical event or era to research and debate. For example, one team might research the causes of the American Civil War, while the other team researches the fall of the Roman Empire.?
2. Have each team use ChatGPT to research and gather information related to their assigned historical event or era. Encourage the students to ask questions related to the causes, effects, and key figures of the event or era.?
3. Once each team has gathered enough information, have them work together to prepare their argument for the debate. Each team should choose a spokesperson and decide on key points to support their argument.?
4. Hold a debate between the two teams, with each team presenting their argument and responding to questions from the other team.?
5. During the debate, allow the teams to use ChatGPT to help support their arguments or respond to questions. This can be a useful tool for fact-checking or exploring alternative perspectives.?
6. After the debate, have the class vote on which team they thought presented the strongest argument. As a class, discuss the historical event or era and what the students learned from the debate.?

This debate activity not only utilizes ChatGPT as a resource to help students gather information and support their arguments, but it also promotes critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. The debate format encourages students to engage with different perspectives and develop their own opinions based on research and evidence.?

Here's an activity to use problem-based learning in an 8th-grade science class:?

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.?
2. Assign each group a different real-world problem related to science. For example, one group might be asked to explore the causes and effects of air pollution, while another group might be asked to investigate the impact of climate change on ecosystems.?
3. Have each group use ChatGPT to research and explore their assigned problem. Encourage the students to ask questions related to the problem and use ChatGPT to help guide them toward solutions.?
4. Once each group has a good understanding of the problem they were assigned, have them work together to come up with a solution. The solution should be based on scientific evidence and should address the causes and effects of the problem.?
5. Have each group create a presentation that includes their problem, their solution, and how they arrived at their solution. Encourage the students to use visual aids and real-world examples to illustrate their problem and solution.?
6. Have each group present their solution to the rest of the class. As a class, discuss the similarities and differences between the different problems and solutions presented.?
7. Finally, have the students reflect on the project and how ChatGPT helped them arrive at their solution. Ask them to think about how they might use ChatGPT in the future to help solve real-world problems.?

This problem-based learning activity promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while also utilizing ChatGPT as a resource to help guide the students toward solutions. The real-world problems help students see the relevance of science in their daily lives and promote a sense of civic responsibility towards the environment.?

Here's an activity to use cooperative learning in a 9th-grade psychology class to explore mental illness:?

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.?
2. Assign each group a different mental illness to research and explore. For example, one group might be assigned depression, while another group might be assigned bipolar disorder.?
3. Have each group use ChatGPT to research and gather information about their assigned mental illness. Encourage the students to ask questions related to the causes, symptoms, and treatments of mental illness.?
4. Once each group has a good understanding of their assigned mental illness, have them work together to create a presentation that includes the following:?
5. Definition and symptoms of the mental illness?
6. Causes and risk factors of the mental illness?
7. Treatments and therapies for the mental illness?
8. Coping strategies for individuals with the mental illness?
9. Resources for individuals and families affected by the mental illness?
10. Have each group present their presentation to the rest of the class. Encourage the students to ask questions and engage in a discussion about the different mental illnesses presented.?
11. Finally, have the class reflect on the project and how ChatGPT helped them learn about mental illness. Ask the students to think about how they might use the information they learned to support individuals with mental illness in their own lives.?

This cooperative learning activity promotes teamwork, communication, and empathy while also utilizing ChatGPT as a resource to help guide the students toward understanding mental illness. The project helps students develop a deeper understanding of mental illness and its impact on individuals and families, while also promoting a sense of social responsibility toward mental health awareness.?

Here's an activity to use problem-based learning in a 10th-grade math class to explore geometry:?

1. Introduce the problem-based learning activity to the class. The objective of the activity is for students to apply geometry concepts to solve real-world problems.?
2. Provide the students with a problem statement. For example, the problem statement could be: "The city is planning to build a new park. You have been hired to design the park and must use geometry concepts to determine the size and shape of the park."?
3. Have the students work in small groups to brainstorm and research different geometry concepts that could be applied to the problem. They can use ChatGPT to gather information and guidance on geometry concepts.?
4. Once the groups have identified the relevant geometry concepts, have them apply these concepts to design the park. They should consider the size, shape, and placement of different park elements such as paths, fountains, and benches.?
5. Have each group present their park design to the class, explaining their reasoning and the geometry concepts they used to solve the problem.?
6. As a class, discuss the different park designs and the geometry concepts used to solve the problem. Ask the students to consider how they could apply these concepts to other real-world problems.?

This problem-based learning activity promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and the application of geometry concepts in real-world contexts. By using ChatGPT as a resource, students can gather information and guidance on the relevant geometry concepts, and apply these concepts to solve a real-world problem. The activity also promotes creativity and innovation, as the students must come up with their own park designs using the geometry concepts they have learned.?

You can further enhance the learning experience by asking students to create their park in an engineering program such as Sketch-Up or Tinkercad.?

Here's an activity to use Harkness Table learning in an 11th-grade English class to explore the topic of racism in "To Kill a Mockingbird":?

1. Divide the class into small groups of 6-8 students.?
2. Introduce the Harkness Table learning activity to the class. The objective of the activity is for students to have a group discussion about the theme of racism in "To Kill a Mockingbird".?
3. Each group will need to read and analyze a section of the book that deals with the theme of racism. For example, one group might read the section where Tom Robinson is on trial, while another group might read the section where Scout and Jem are confronted by the racist Mrs. Dubose.?
4. Each group should prepare a list of discussion questions based on their section of the book. These questions should be designed to promote critical thinking and encourage group discussion about the theme of racism.?
5. Have the students sit in a Harkness Table formation, with the groups arranged in a circle around a central table.?
6. Each group should take turns leading a discussion about their section of the book. The group leader should ask their discussion questions and facilitate a group discussion about the theme of racism.?
7. As a class, discuss the different insights and perspectives that were shared during the group discussions. Ask the students to consider how the theme of racism is portrayed in the book, and how it relates to contemporary issues of racism and discrimination.?

This Harkness Table learning activity promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and the exploration of complex themes in literature. By analyzing and discussing different sections of the book that deal with the theme of racism, students can gain a deeper understanding of the issues and explore different perspectives. The activity also promotes communication and active listening, as students must listen to and respond to the ideas and perspectives of their peers.?

Here's an activity to use project-based learning in a 12th-grade Health class to explore empathy:?

1. Introduce the project-based learning activity to the class. The objective of the activity is for students to explore and develop empathy skills by working on a project that involves helping others.?
2. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.?
3. Have each group choose a real-world issue that relates to health and well-being, such as homelessness, hunger, or mental health.?
4. Each group should then research their chosen issue, using ChatGPT to gather information and guidance on the issue, including statistics, relevant organizations, and personal stories.?
5. Once the groups have gathered their research, they should identify a project they can work on to help address the issue. For example, they could organize a food drive, raise money for a mental health charity, or volunteer at a homeless shelter.?
6. Each group should create a plan for their project, including goals, objectives, timelines, and budget.?
7. Have each group implement their project, and document their progress with photos, videos, and written reflections.?
8. Once the projects are completed, have each group presents their project to the class, explaining their reasoning, the steps they took, and the impact their project had on the community.?
9. As a class, discuss the role of empathy in the project-based learning activity. Ask the students to consider how empathy helped them identify and address the needs of the community, and how they could use empathy skills in their future careers.?

This project-based learning activity promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and the application of empathy skills in real-world contexts. By working on a project that addresses a real-world issue, students can gain a deeper understanding of the issue and develop empathy skills by considering the needs and experiences of others. The activity also promotes creativity and innovation, as the students must come up with their own project ideas and implement them effectively.?

These are but a few of the many activities that AI, and ChatGTP in particular, can be incorporated to enhance the learning experience of each student. Please let me know your experience with integrating AI into your classes. I am always curious to see where other educators are having success. For education to achieve its true potential, we must work together. Much love!?