This content is located in CAPS under Information Management for Grade 10.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a fascinating and dynamic topic that not only introduces students to cutting-edge technology but also stimulates critical thinking about its role in solving problems and shaping the future. When teaching AI to Grade 10 students, the goal is to make this advanced concept approachable and relatable while adhering to the CAPS curriculum’s focus on Information Management.

AI involves understanding how computers can mimic human intelligence to perform tasks like decision-making, problem-solving, and learning from data. For Grade 10, the approach should focus on introducing AI concepts in ways that are interactive, thought-provoking, and grounded in their everyday lives.

Making AI Real and Relevant

AI in Everyday Life
Start by asking students how they interact with AI daily. Examples include:

• Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa.
• Recommendation systems on Netflix or YouTube.
• AI tools in social media, such as filters and auto-tagging.
• Chatbots used by businesses for customer support.

Use these relatable examples to show how AI simplifies tasks and provides solutions in real life. Ask students to think critically about how these applications gather, process, and use data.

AI through Interactive Tools
Introduce students to basic AI tools they can explore hands-on:

• • Teachable Machine by Google: A free online tool where students can train an AI model to recognise images or sounds using their webcam. This simple exercise helps explain machine learning—a key aspect of AI.
  • AI Art Generators: Demonstrate how AI creates artwork based on user inputs. Let students experiment and see the AI’s capabilities and limitations.
  • ChatGPT or Similar Tools: Use an AI chatbot to show natural language processing in action. Ask the chatbot questions and compare its responses to human reasoning.

Problem-Solving with AI
Guide students through a brainstorming session on how AI can address real-world problems, such as:

• Predicting weather patterns to help farmers.
• Identifying diseases using AI in medical imaging.
• Streamlining traffic flow with smart systems.

Students can create flowcharts to visualise how an AI system might process data to provide solutions, connecting it to the CAPS emphasis on the information processing cycle.

Practical Classroom Activities

AI vs. Human Intelligence Debate
Organise a class debate: Can AI ever truly replace humans? Split the class into two groups to discuss the advantages and limitations of AI. Encourage them to research and share evidence from credible sources. This activity hones critical thinking and research skills.

Survey on AI Perceptions
Have students design a simple questionnaire to gather their peers’ perceptions of AI. Use their findings to create graphs or charts in spreadsheets, aligning with CAPS’s focus on information gathering and analysis.

Roleplay AI Ethics Scenarios
Present ethical dilemmas related to AI, such as:

• Should self-driving cars prioritise passengers or pedestrians in an accident?
• Is it fair for AI systems to replace jobs traditionally held by humans?

Let students roleplay as AI designers, government officials, and concerned citizens, discussing and defending their viewpoints.

AI Literacy Quiz
Develop an interactive quiz to test their understanding of basic AI concepts, such as algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks. Use online tools like Kahoot! to make the quiz fun and competitive.

Future of AI Vision Board
Ask students to imagine how AI could evolve and improve life in the next 20 years. Provide magazines, newspapers, and online images for them to create a collage representing their vision. This taps into creativity and helps them understand AI’s potential.

Supporting Under-Resourced Classrooms

If resources are limited, adapt these activities:

• Instead of using digital tools, use role-playing games and physical flowcharts to explain how AI processes information.
• Use locally relevant AI examples, like AI chatbots used by banks or educational platforms in South Africa.
• Engage students in group discussions, where they collaboratively design AI solutions using pen and paper.

Teaching AI in Grade 10 not only aligns with the CAPS curriculum but also prepares students for a future where this technology will play an increasingly critical role. It’s about inspiring curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and helping them see the possibilities of AI beyond the classroom.

Engage with your fellow CAT teachers! How do you make abstract topics like AI relatable and exciting for your students? Share your experiences, tips, and ideas in the comments below.