Learning Outcomes

By the end of the project, students will be able to:

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING:

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• Know that machines can "look" and "learn" from pictures[cite: 325].
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• Understand that computers need humans to show them examples[cite: 325].
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• Notice that sometimes machines get things wrong[cite: 325].

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

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• Sort and group images (Fruit vs. Veg, Animals vs. Birds)[cite: 325].
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• Describe what they see in pictures[cite: 325].
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• Notice patterns or differences between objects (e.g., colours, shapes)[cite: 325].

ATTITUDES & VALUES:

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• Feel curious about how robots and computers work[cite: 325].
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• Learn to share ideas and listen to others in a group[cite: 325].
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• Recognise that people and robots can work together[cite: 325].

European Dimension / Erasmus+ Connection

• Digital Inclusion: Making complex concepts like Machine Learning accessible to very young children.
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• Scientific Collaboration: Simulating real-world research where diverse data leads to better results[cite: 325].
• Critical Thinking: Early introduction to the idea that technology is not perfect and relies on human input.

1. Resources and Tools

Required Materials:

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• Printable Cards: Fruits, Vegetables, Animals, Birds, Emotions (included in download)[cite: 325].
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• Sorting Mats: Hula hoops or labelled tables (e.g., "Fruit" vs "Vegetable")[cite: 325].
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• Props: A "Robot" puppet or costume for the teacher[cite: 325].
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• Storybook: "Boy + Bot" or Sesame Street clips[cite: 325].

2. Working Methods

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• Gamification: Using sorting games to mimic "training" an AI[cite: 325].
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• Role-Play: Teacher acts as the "Robot" making guesses based on student input[cite: 325].
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• Storytelling: Using stories to reinforce that robots need human help[cite: 325].
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• Hands-on Learning: Physical sorting of cards into categories[cite: 325].

Activity Overview

3. Introduction and Motivation

Activity 1: Train the Robot (Data Sorting)

Goal: Teach students that computers learn from examples.

The Hook: "I have a robot friend, but he doesn't know what a strawberry is! Can we teach him?"

• Setup: Place hoops on the floor labelled "Fruit" and "Vegetable".
• Action: Students take turns placing cards into the correct hoop.
• Explanation: "Good job! You are giving the robot examples so it can learn."

4. Research and Learning

Activity 2: Robot Guesses (Testing the Model)

Goal: Show that robots only know what we teach them.

• Role-Play: The teacher puts on a robot voice/hat.
• The Test: The robot picks up a card (e.g., a Carrot). Robot says: "This is... a Fruit!"
• Correction: The children shout "No!" and explain why (e.g., "It's a vegetable because it grows in the ground").
• Learning Moment: Explain that the robot made a mistake because it needs more training.

5. Creative Application

Activity 3: Human vs. Robot (Emotions)

Goal: Distinguish between computational tasks and emotional intelligence.

• Sorting Game: Use "Action Cards" (e.g., Adding numbers, Giving a hug, Knowing the colour red).
• The Question: "Can a robot do this, or do we need a person?"
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• Key Takeaway: Robots are good at math and patterns, but humans are best at feelings and kindness[cite: 325].

6. Reflection and Evaluation

Activity 4: Creative Reflection

Task: "I Helped the Robot!" Drawing.

• Students draw a picture of themselves teaching the robot.
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• Captions: Teacher helps write captions like "I showed the robot a green apple" or "I told it the dog was not a cat"[cite: 325].
• Display: Hang pictures on a "Robot Helpers" wall.