Group 1: Foundations

1

Advanced AI Conversations: Becoming an AI Whisperer

45-60 minutes Intermediate

🎯 Level Up Your AI Communication Skills

Now that you know how to talk to AI, it's time to become an AI expert! Just like learning to ride a bike well after you know the basics, we're going to learn the advanced techniques that make AI conversations amazing.

💡 What is Prompt Engineering?

Prompt engineering is like being a director of a movie - you give clear, specific instructions to get exactly the performance you want. The better your "directions" (prompts), the better AI's "performance" (responses).

🔑 The CLEAR Method

Context: Give AI background information
Length: Specify how long you want the response
Examples: Show AI what you're looking for
Audience: Tell AI who this is for
Role: Ask AI to take on a specific role

🚀 Advanced Techniques

Chain of Thought: Ask AI to "think step by step"
Multiple Attempts: Try different approaches if first doesn't work
Follow-up Questions: Build on AI's responses
Specify Format: Ask for lists, tables, or specific structures

Let's See Examples First!

Example 1: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

Act as a creative writing teacher. Help me write a 3-paragraph story about a young inventor. The story should be exciting but appropriate for 10-year-olds. Please think step by step about the story structure first.

🤖 AI Response:

I'd be happy to help you create an exciting story! Let me think through this step by step:

Story Structure Planning:
• Paragraph 1: Introduce the young inventor and their latest creation
• Paragraph 2: Present a problem or challenge that needs the invention
• Paragraph 3: Show how the invention saves the day

Your Story:

Maya had always been the kind of kid who took apart alarm clocks just to see how they worked. At twelve years old, her bedroom looked more like a mad scientist's laboratory than a typical room, with gadgets and gizmos covering every surface. Her latest invention was her proudest yet: a pair of shoes that could bounce twenty feet high, powered by springs she'd salvaged from old trampolines.

When the town's annual kite festival arrived, disaster struck. The wind died completely, leaving hundreds of colorful kites grounded and disappointed children everywhere. The mayor announced they'd have to cancel the contest, but Maya had a different idea. She strapped on her spring-powered shoes and began bouncing high into the air, grabbing the fallen kite strings as she soared.

Soon, Maya was launching kites back into the sky with every tremendous bounce, her invention turning her into a human kite-launcher. The festival was saved, and Maya learned that sometimes the best inventions are the ones that help bring joy to others. As she bounced from kite to kite, she was already dreaming up her next creation: maybe rocket-powered roller skates!

💡 Why This Works:

Notice how this prompt uses multiple CLEAR elements: Role (creative writing teacher), Context (story for 10-year-olds), Length (3 paragraphs), and a specific technique (think step by step). The AI responded with both the planning process and the final story!

Example 2: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

I'm working on a school project about renewable energy. Can you explain solar panels in exactly 5 sentences, as if you're a friendly scientist talking to a 10-year-old? Include one fun fact that would surprise me.

🤖 AI Response:

Hi there, young scientist! Solar panels are like super-smart mirrors that catch sunlight and turn it into electricity we can use to power our homes, just like how plants use sunlight to grow. They're made of special materials called photovoltaic cells that get excited when sunlight hits them, creating an electric current that flows through wires. The amazing thing is that solar panels can work even on cloudy days, though they work best when it's bright and sunny! Here's a fun fact that might surprise you: a single solar panel can produce enough electricity in one sunny day to power your TV for about 10 hours. The best part is that solar panels help keep our air clean because they don't produce any pollution while making electricity!

💡 Why This Works:

This prompt is very specific about audience (10-year-old), role (friendly scientist), length (exactly 5 sentences), and requests a specific element (fun fact). See how the AI followed all instructions perfectly!

Now You Try!

🎯 Practice Advanced Prompting!

Try these techniques with a grown-up's help:

CLEAR Method Practice:

Context + Role: "Act as a coach and help me improve my basketball free throws"
Length + Audience: "Explain gravity in exactly 3 sentences for someone my age"
Examples + Format: "Give me 5 creative writing prompts like 'What if animals could talk?'"

Chain of Thought Practice:

• "Help me plan a surprise birthday party. Think step by step about what needs to be done."
• "I want to learn guitar. Break down the learning process step by step for a beginner."
• "How can I improve my study habits? Walk through your reasoning step by step."

🎯 Pro Tip: The more specific you are, the better AI can help you!

Quick Access Links (Ask a grown-up to help!):

Try ChatGPT Try Claude Try Gemini

Think About It

Which prompting technique worked best for you and why?
How did being specific in your prompts change the AI's responses?
What surprised you most about advanced AI conversations?
Can you think of a time when the CLEAR method would be helpful in real life?

2

Smart Prompting: Getting Exactly What You Want

30-45 minutes Intermediate

🎪 The Art of Perfect Prompts

Think of AI like a genie in a bottle - it has amazing powers, but you need to make very careful wishes! Smart prompting means asking for exactly what you want in a way that AI can understand perfectly.

📝 The Prompt Recipe

Every great prompt has these ingredients:

Task: What do you want AI to do?
Context: What background info does AI need?
Constraints: Any limits or requirements?
Output: What format do you want?

⚡ Power Techniques

Be Specific: Instead of "help me with math," try "explain how to solve 2x + 5 = 11"
Use Examples: Show AI what you want with a sample
Set the Tone: Ask for "fun," "serious," or "simple" explanations
Ask for Alternatives: "Give me 3 different ways to..."

Let's See Examples First!

Example 1: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

Instead of asking 'Help me write a story,' try this smart prompt: 'Write a 200-word adventure story about a 12-year-old who discovers a secret room in their school. Make it exciting but school-appropriate, and end with a cliffhanger.'

🤖 AI Response:

Here's your adventure story:

The Hidden Room

Emma had always wondered why the third-floor hallway seemed shorter than the others. While staying after school for art club, she noticed something odd - the wall where the missing space should be sounded hollow when she accidentally bumped into it. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she started feeling along the wooden panels.

Click! A section of the wall swung inward like a secret door. Emma's heart pounded as she stepped into a dusty room filled with old desks, mysterious charts on the walls, and a massive trunk covered in vintage travel stickers. Moonlight streamed through a hidden window she'd never seen from outside. The charts showed what looked like underground tunnels connecting different parts of the school.

As she approached the trunk, she heard footsteps in the hallway outside. The art teacher was calling her name, getting closer to the secret room. Emma's hand trembled as she reached for the trunk's brass lock, but just as she touched it, the footsteps stopped right outside the hidden door...

What would she find in the trunk? And who else knew about this room?

💡 Why This Works:

See how the specific prompt gave AI everything it needed: length (200 words), character age (12-year-old), setting (school), tone (exciting but appropriate), and structure (cliffhanger ending)!

Example 2: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

Transform this weak prompt: 'Explain photosynthesis' into this smart prompt: 'Explain photosynthesis as if you're a plant talking to a curious 10-year-old. Use simple words and include what the plant needs and what it makes. Keep it under 100 words and make it friendly.'

🤖 AI Response:

Hi there, little friend! I'm a green plant, and I want to tell you about my special superpower called photosynthesis! It's like cooking, but I use sunlight as my stove. I take in carbon dioxide through my leaves (that's what you breathe out), drink water through my roots, and catch sunshine with my green parts. Then I mix them all together to make sugar - that's my food! The amazing part? While I'm making my lunch, I create fresh oxygen and give it back to you so you can breathe. We're perfect teammates - you help me, and I help you! Isn't that cool?

💡 Why This Works:

The smart prompt specified role (plant narrator), audience (10-year-old), tone (friendly), length (under 100 words), and content requirements (what plant needs and makes).

Now You Try!

🧪 Prompt Transformation Lab!

Turn these weak prompts into smart prompts:

Weak Prompt:

"Help me with my book report"

Make it Smart:

Hint: Add the book title, what specific help you need, your grade level, and how long it should be

Weak Prompt:

"Teach me about space"

Make it Smart:

Hint: Pick one space topic, specify your age, choose a fun way to learn, and set a time limit

Weak Prompt:

"Give me ideas for my science project"

Make it Smart:

Hint: Specify your grade, interests, available materials, and how many ideas you want

💡 Remember: Good prompts = Great results!

Quick Access Links (Ask a grown-up to help!):

Try ChatGPT Try Claude Try Gemini

Think About It

How did adding more details to your prompts change AI's responses?
Which part of the prompt recipe (Task, Context, Constraints, Output) do you find most important?
Can you think of a situation where being more specific in communication helped in real life?
What's one technique you'll remember to use in your next AI conversation?

3

AI Tool Explorer: Understanding Different Types of AI

45 minutes Intermediate

🛠️ The AI Toolbox

Just like a carpenter has different tools for different jobs, there are different types of AI for different tasks. Let's explore the amazing variety of AI tools and learn when to use each one!

🤖 Types of AI Tools

Text AI (Like ChatGPT, Claude)

Best for: Writing, answering questions, explaining concepts, brainstorming ideas

Image AI (Like DALL-E, Midjourney)

Best for: Creating artwork, designing graphics, visualizing ideas

Voice AI (Like Siri, Alexa)

Best for: Voice commands, hands-free interaction, accessibility

Code AI (Like GitHub Copilot)

Best for: Writing computer programs, debugging code, learning programming

🎯 Choosing the Right Tool

For homework help: Text AI can explain concepts and help with writing
For creative projects: Image AI can create visual elements
For presentations: Combine text AI for content and image AI for visuals
For accessibility: Voice AI can help when typing is difficult

Let's See Examples First!

Example 1: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

I want to create a poster about ocean conservation for my science class. What types of AI tools should I use and how?

🤖 AI Response:

Great project! Here's how different AI tools can help create an amazing ocean conservation poster:

Text AI (like me!) for content:
• Research ocean conservation facts and statistics
• Write compelling headlines like 'Save Our Seas!'
• Create informative bullet points about marine life threats
• Draft action steps people can take to help

Image AI for visuals:
• Create stunning ocean scenes with marine life
• Generate before/after images showing pollution impact
• Design eye-catching graphics and icons
• Create infographic elements like charts and diagrams

Suggested workflow:
1. Use text AI to research and write your content
2. Use image AI to create visual elements
3. Combine everything in a design program
4. Ask text AI to review and suggest improvements

Sample prompt for image AI:
'Create a vibrant underwater scene showing healthy coral reefs with colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins swimming peacefully'

This combination approach gives you both powerful information and beautiful visuals!

💡 Why This Works:

This response shows how different AI tools work together - text AI for research and writing, image AI for visuals, and how to combine them effectively for a school project.

Example 2: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

My friend says all AI is the same. How can I explain the differences between different types of AI tools?

🤖 AI Response:

That's a great question! Here's a simple way to explain AI differences using an analogy your friend will understand:

Think of AI like different specialists at a hospital:

🩺 **Text AI = Doctor**: Answers questions, explains things, gives advice, helps solve problems with words and thinking

🎨 **Image AI = Artist**: Creates visual things - drawings, paintings, designs, anything you can see

👂 **Voice AI = Interpreter**: Listens to what you say and talks back, helps when you can't use your hands to type

💻 **Code AI = Engineer**: Builds and fixes computer programs, like a technical expert

Real example:
If you wanted to make a video game:
• Text AI helps plan the story and rules
• Image AI creates the characters and backgrounds
• Voice AI could add speech recognition
• Code AI helps program how it all works

Just like doctors: You wouldn't ask a heart doctor to fix your broken leg - each AI specialist is really good at their specific job, but not so great at others!

Each type of AI has been trained differently, like how doctors study different specialties in medical school.

💡 Why This Works:

This explanation uses a relatable analogy (hospital specialists) to help kids understand that different AI tools have different strengths and purposes, just like human experts.

Now You Try!

🔍 AI Tool Detective Challenge!

For each scenario, identify which AI tool(s) would be most helpful:

Scenario 1: Creating a Comic Strip

You want to make a 6-panel comic about your pet's funny adventures.

Which AI tools would you use and for what parts?

Scenario 2: Learning a New Language

You want to practice Spanish conversation and pronunciation.

Which AI tools would be most helpful?

Scenario 3: Science Fair Project

You need to research volcanoes, create diagrams, and write a presentation.

How would you use different AI tools together?

🎯 Detective Tip: Think about what you're trying to CREATE - words, images, sounds, or code!

Quick Access Links (Ask a grown-up to help!):

Try ChatGPT Try Claude Try Gemini

Think About It

Which type of AI tool do you think would be most useful for your current interests?
How might combining different AI tools make your projects better than using just one?
What's a project you'd like to try that would use multiple types of AI?
How do you think AI tools might change or improve in the next few years?

4

Critical Thinking with AI: Being a Smart AI User

40 minutes Intermediate

🧠 Becoming an AI Detective

AI is incredibly smart, but it's not perfect! Just like you wouldn't believe everything you read on the internet, you need to think critically about AI responses. Let's learn how to be smart AI users who can spot when something might be wrong.

🔍 The FACT-Check Method

F - Find multiple sources: Don't rely on just AI - check other sources too
A - Ask follow-up questions: If something sounds weird, ask AI to explain more
C - Compare with what you know: Does this match what you've learned before?
T - Test with trusted adults: Ask a parent, teacher, or librarian

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For

AI gives different answers to the same question
The information sounds too good to be true
AI admits it's not sure or might be wrong
The answer doesn't make sense with what you know
AI provides very recent news or events (it might not know the latest info)

✅ Green Flags (Good Signs)

AI explains its reasoning step by step
The information matches what you find elsewhere
AI mentions when it's unsure about something
The answer makes logical sense
AI encourages you to verify important information

Let's See Examples First!

Example 1: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

I asked AI if chocolate is healthy and it said 'Dark chocolate has antioxidants and can be part of a healthy diet in moderation.' Should I believe this?

🤖 AI Response:

Great question! Let's use the FACT-Check method to evaluate this AI response:

🔍 Find multiple sources:
This is something you can verify! Look up 'dark chocolate health benefits' in reliable sources like health websites, nutrition textbooks, or ask a doctor.

🤔 Ask follow-up questions:
You could ask AI: 'What does moderation mean exactly? How much dark chocolate? What percentage of cocoa? What are antioxidants?'

🧠 Compare with what you know:
You probably know that too much of any sweet isn't healthy, so 'in moderation' makes sense. You might also know that fruits and vegetables have antioxidants.

👥 Test with trusted adults:
Ask a parent, school nurse, or doctor what they think about chocolate and health.

My detective assessment:
🟢 **Likely accurate** - This response has good signs: it mentions 'moderation' (not claiming chocolate is unlimited healthy), mentions specific type (dark chocolate), and gives a scientific reason (antioxidants). But definitely verify with other sources for something this important to your health!

Remember: AI gave a reasonable answer, but health information should always be double-checked with medical professionals!

💡 Why This Works:

This example shows how to apply critical thinking to AI responses, especially for important topics like health. It demonstrates using the FACT-Check method systematically.

Example 2: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

AI told me that the Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye. My teacher says this is a myth. How do I figure out who's right?

🤖 AI Response:

Excellent critical thinking! This is actually a perfect example of why we need to fact-check AI. Let me help you solve this mystery:

🔍 The FACT-Check Investigation:

Find multiple sources:
• NASA's official website says this is a MYTH
• Astronauts who've been to space confirm they can't see it with naked eyes
• Science museums and encyclopedias list this as a common misconception

Ask follow-up questions:
If you asked me to explain further, I'd tell you: 'The Great Wall is only about 6 meters wide - that's like trying to see a hair from across a football field!'

Compare with what you know:
Think about it: if you're in an airplane, can you see individual roads clearly? Space is MUCH higher than airplanes!

Test with trusted adults:
Your teacher is absolutely right! This is one of the most common myths about space.

🎯 The truth: The Great Wall is NOT visible from space with the naked eye. Some AI responses contain outdated or incorrect information that keeps getting repeated.

What this teaches us: Even AI can be wrong! That's why your teacher's knowledge and reliable sources like NASA are so valuable. Always trust verified experts over AI for factual claims.

💡 Why This Works:

This example shows how AI can sometimes perpetuate common myths, and demonstrates the importance of checking with authoritative sources and trusted experts like teachers.

Now You Try!

🕵️ Critical Thinking Training!

Practice your detective skills with these AI responses:

Mystery Response #1:

"Eating carrots will definitely improve your night vision and make you see in the dark like a cat."

Use FACT-Check: What red or green flags do you notice?

Mystery Response #2:

"I'm not completely certain about this, but I believe Shakespeare wrote about 37 plays. You might want to verify this number with a literature source."

What makes this response trustworthy or suspicious?

Mystery Response #3:

"Yesterday's breaking news: Scientists discovered dragons are real and living in caves in Iceland."

How would you investigate this claim?

🎯 Detective Rule: Trust but verify! AI is a great starting point, but always confirm important information.

Quick Access Links (Ask a grown-up to help!):

Try ChatGPT Try Claude Try Gemini

Think About It

Can you think of a time when you had to verify information you heard or read?
What's the difference between being skeptical and being smart about information?
Why do you think AI sometimes gives incorrect information?
How will knowing these critical thinking skills help you in school and life?

5

AI Project Planning: From Idea to Reality

50 minutes Intermediate

🚀 Turning Dreams into AI-Powered Projects

Now that you've mastered AI conversations and critical thinking, it's time to plan amazing projects! AI can help you turn any creative idea into reality, but you need a good plan. Let's learn how to be project managers who use AI as their superpower.

📋 The PROJECT Framework

P - Purpose: What do you want to create and why?
R - Research: What do you need to learn first?
O - Organize: Break your project into smaller steps
J - Join forces: How will AI help with each step?
E - Execute: Do the work, step by step
C - Check: Review and improve your work
T - Tell others: Share your amazing creation!

🎯 Project Ideas by Interest

Creative Arts

• AI-illustrated children's book
• Music video with AI visuals
• Digital art gallery

Science & Learning

• Interactive science experiment guide
• AI-powered study buddy app concept
• Virtual museum exhibit

Social Good

• Community problem-solving presentation
• Environmental awareness campaign
• Peer tutoring resource

Games & Fun

• AI-generated mystery game
• Interactive story adventure
• Trivia challenge creator

Let's See Examples First!

Example 1: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

I want to create an AI-powered presentation about endangered animals for my class. Can you help me plan this project using the PROJECT framework?

🤖 AI Response:

Absolutely! Let's plan your endangered animals presentation step by step:

🎯 P - Purpose:
Create an engaging presentation to educate classmates about endangered animals and inspire conservation action

🔍 R - Research:
• Use AI to research 3-5 endangered species
• Find current population numbers and threats
• Learn about successful conservation efforts
• Discover what students your age can do to help

📋 O - Organize (Break into steps):
1. Choose your endangered animals
2. Gather information and facts
3. Create visual materials
4. Write presentation script
5. Practice and refine

🤝 J - Join forces with AI:
• Text AI: Research facts, write compelling content, create quiz questions
• Image AI: Generate stunning wildlife photos, before/after habitat images, infographics
• AI can help create speaker notes and practice questions

⚡ E - Execute (2-week timeline):
Week 1: Research and content creation
Week 2: Visuals and presentation practice

✅ C - Check:
• Fact-check with reliable sources
• Practice with family/friends
• Time your presentation

📢 T - Tell others:
Present to class, share key facts with family, maybe create a poster for school hallway!

Want me to help you start with any specific step?

💡 Why This Works:

This example shows how to apply the PROJECT framework to a real school assignment, demonstrating how AI can assist with multiple aspects of project planning and execution.

Example 2: What We Asked

🎯 Prompt:

My dream project is to create a comic book about a young superhero who uses AI to solve problems in their community. This feels too big - how do I break it down?

🤖 AI Response:

What an amazing and creative idea! Let's break down your superhero comic book project into manageable pieces:

🎯 P - Purpose:
Create an inspiring comic showing how young people can use AI responsibly to help their community

📚 Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1-2)
• Design your superhero character (name, appearance, personality)
• Create the community setting (city, neighborhood, school)
• List 3-5 community problems your hero could solve
• Plan your story arc (beginning, middle, end)

📝 Phase 2: Story Development (Week 3-4)
• Write detailed plot for 6-8 comic pages
• Create dialogue and action descriptions
• Plan which AI tools your hero uses for each problem
• Develop supporting characters

🎨 Phase 3: Visual Creation (Week 5-6)
• Use AI to generate character designs
• Create backgrounds and settings
• Design comic panels and layouts
• Add speech bubbles and text

🤝 How AI helps each phase:
• Text AI: Brainstorm superhero powers, write dialogue, create plot twists
• Image AI: Generate character art, backgrounds, action scenes
• AI can suggest realistic community problems and solutions

✨ Pro tip: Start with just 4-6 pages for your first comic, then expand if you love it! Even professional comic artists start small.

Which phase excites you most to begin with?

💡 Why This Works:

This response demonstrates how to break down a large, creative project into manageable phases, making it less overwhelming while maintaining the student's enthusiasm for their ambitious idea.

Now You Try!

🎯 Project Planning Workshop!

Choose one of these project ideas and create a plan using the PROJECT framework:

Option 1: AI Travel Guide

Create a travel guide for your hometown that tourists would love, using AI for research and visuals.

Option 2: Time Period Documentary

Make a presentation about what it was like to be a kid in a different time period (Ancient Egypt, Medieval times, etc.)

Option 3: Invention Showcase

Design a presentation about an invention that could solve a problem in your school or community.

Option 4: Your Own Idea!

What's something you've always wanted to create or learn about?

🚀 Project Power-Up: The best projects combine your interests with your skills and AI's capabilities!

Quick Access Links (Ask a grown-up to help!):

Try ChatGPT Try Claude Try Gemini

Think About It

What type of project excites you most - creative, educational, or problem-solving?
How does breaking a big project into smaller steps make it feel more achievable?
Which part of the PROJECT framework do you think will be most challenging for you?
How can AI help you do things you couldn't do by yourself?
What project idea are you most excited to try after completing this curriculum?

AInstein Academy

Curriculum Content

Lessons

Advanced AI Conversations: Becoming an AI Whisperer

🎯 Level Up Your AI Communication Skills

💡 What is Prompt Engineering?

🔑 The CLEAR Method

🚀 Advanced Techniques

Let's See Examples First!

Now You Try!

🎯 Practice Advanced Prompting!

CLEAR Method Practice:

Chain of Thought Practice:

Think About It

Smart Prompting: Getting Exactly What You Want

🎪 The Art of Perfect Prompts

📝 The Prompt Recipe

⚡ Power Techniques

Let's See Examples First!

Now You Try!

🧪 Prompt Transformation Lab!

Weak Prompt:

Make it Smart:

Weak Prompt:

Make it Smart:

Weak Prompt:

Make it Smart:

Think About It

AI Tool Explorer: Understanding Different Types of AI

🛠️ The AI Toolbox

🤖 Types of AI Tools

Text AI (Like ChatGPT, Claude)

Image AI (Like DALL-E, Midjourney)

Voice AI (Like Siri, Alexa)

Code AI (Like GitHub Copilot)

🎯 Choosing the Right Tool

Let's See Examples First!

Now You Try!

🔍 AI Tool Detective Challenge!

Scenario 1: Creating a Comic Strip

Scenario 2: Learning a New Language

Scenario 3: Science Fair Project

Think About It

Critical Thinking with AI: Being a Smart AI User

🧠 Becoming an AI Detective

🔍 The FACT-Check Method

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For

✅ Green Flags (Good Signs)

Let's See Examples First!

Now You Try!

🕵️ Critical Thinking Training!

Mystery Response #1:

Mystery Response #2:

Mystery Response #3:

Think About It

AI Project Planning: From Idea to Reality

🚀 Turning Dreams into AI-Powered Projects

📋 The PROJECT Framework

🎯 Project Ideas by Interest

Creative Arts

Science & Learning

Social Good

Games & Fun

Let's See Examples First!

Now You Try!

🎯 Project Planning Workshop!

Option 1: AI Travel Guide

Option 2: Time Period Documentary

Option 3: Invention Showcase

Option 4: Your Own Idea!

Think About It

Ready to Start Learning?