RCSD AI Resources & Guides - Teaching Students ABOUT AI

Why Teach AI Literacy?

AI isn't just a tool; it's a fundamental part of the modern world. Teaching AI literacy is essential for developing responsible digital citizenship and critical thinking skills.

AI Literacy Helps Students:

Understand the technology that is shaping their world.
Critically evaluate information they encounter online.
Learn to use AI as a tool for creativity and problem-solving, not just a shortcut.
Protect their personal data and privacy.
Prepare for future careers where AI will be commonplace.

The Learning Roadmap: Grade-Level Focus

Grades K–2 students learn that AI is a tool, not a person. Focus is on teacher-led activities that avoid "humanizing" language, helping students understand that they shouldn't trust an AI device more than a trusted adult.
Grades 3–5 students use teacher-directed tools to explore ideas while ensuring they don't develop an overreliance on AI that "short-circuits" their own problem-solving skills.
Grades 6-8 students build abstract thinking skills by critiquing AI outputs. Using teacher-directed tools, they practice identifying factual errors and biases.
Grades 9–12 students move toward collaborative mastery, using the Gemini Chatbot as a partner. The focus is on analyzing the effects of bias and stereotypes, maintaining transparency, and becoming skeptical, informed "overseers" of AI-generated content.

Prothero, Arianna, "What is Age-Appropriate Use of AI? 4 Developmental Stages to Know About" 19 Feb 2024. https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-is-age-appropriate-use-of-ai-4-d…

Below you will find a spreadsheet with resources to help teach AI literacy. Here is how to quickly use each tab:

Tab 1 is your AI Quick Lessons & Resources. It organizes individual very short resources (videos, books, and interactives) by grade level. Use this tab when you need to quickly find a specific item to plug into tomorrow's lesson plan.

Tab 2 is AI Lesson Provider Features. It compares major curriculum platforms side by side (e.g., MIT or Common Sense Media). Use this tab to choose a provider based on logistics, such as which providers offer "No Login" options, how long the lessons take, or whether they provide ready-made slides.

Tabs 3-5 are AI Lessons for K-2nd grade found in the Seesaw app.

AI Litearcy with Students