Where Young Explorers Become Digital AI Creators! 🚀🤖✨

Location: HKUST – Room 2129C

Course Schedule

Course Overview 🔍

This magical 8-week adventure transforms young minds aged 6-10 into confident AI creators through hands-on exploration of artificial intelligence that powers their favorite games, apps, and smart toys. Children will discover how AI helps YouTube Kids choose perfect videos for them, how voice assistants like Alexa understand their questions, and how their favorite video games create smart characters that react to their moves. Through engaging interactive activities, creative storytelling with AI companions, and building their very own AI models that can recognize their drawings, voices, and movements, students will move from being technology users to becoming technology creators.

This isn’t just about learning what AI is—it’s about experiencing the joy of creating AI that responds to their world. Students will train AI to recognize their pets from photos, create digital art that changes with their emotions, build voice-controlled games, and even design AI helpers for solving everyday problems. Each week builds upon previous learning through playful exploration, ensuring concepts stick while maintaining the wonder and excitement that drives young learners.

Using industry-standard tools adapted for young minds (the same Teachable Machine used by Google engineers, child-friendly versions of professional coding platforms), students gain authentic experience while having incredible fun. They’ll leave not just understanding AI, but having built impressive projects they can proudly share with family and friends.

No prior experience needed—just curiosity, creativity, and excitement to explore the amazing world where technology meets imagination! 💻✨

Learning Outcomes 🎯

By the end of this transformative digital expedition, students will:

AI Understanding & Recognition:

• Understand AI concepts through relatable examples from their daily digital lives (YouTube recommendations, smart toys, voice assistants)
• Recognize AI applications in technology they use: tablets, smart speakers, gaming devices, educational apps, and family entertainment systems
• Identify the difference between “smart” AI-powered features and regular computer functions
• Explain how AI “learns” using simple, age-appropriate analogies and examples

Hands-On Creation Skills:

• Create sophisticated web-based AI models that recognize their own drawings, classify their favorite animals, and respond to their voice commands
• Build interactive AI projects using Teachable Machine to recognize family members from photos, classify different types of music, and detect emotions from facial expressions
• Design and program AI-powered games that adapt to their playing style and preferences
• Develop creative AI art projects that generate unique pictures and stories based on their input

Technical Confidence & Problem-Solving:

• Build confidence using the same online platforms and tools used by professional AI developers (adapted for young learners)
• Develop computational thinking skills through interactive coding challenges that feel like exciting games and puzzles
• Learn basic programming concepts (patterns, sequences, conditions) through visual, drag-and-drop interfaces
• Understand how to test, improve, and refine their AI creations through iterative experimentation

Creative & Critical Thinking:

• Design and showcase impressive digital projects they built entirely themselves, from concept to completion
• Apply creative problem-solving to real challenges: “How could AI help organize my toys?” or “What AI would make my favorite game more fun?”
• Develop critical thinking about technology: understanding when AI is helpful and when human creativity is better
• Gain future-ready skills through accessible online tools while building a foundation for advanced STEM learning

Communication & Collaboration:

• Present their AI creations confidently to classmates, family, and friends
• Collaborate effectively in pairs and small groups on shared AI projects
• Explain their AI models and how they work using clear, enthusiastic communication
• Build a portfolio of digital projects that demonstrates their growing expertise and creativity

8-Week Course Curriculum 📚

Week 1: AI Is Everywhere Around Us! 🌟

Exciting Discovery Activities:

• AI Detective Mission: Explore interactive demonstrations of AI in action, including advanced robotic pets, smart home devices, and educational AI toys that respond to children’s interactions
• Technology Treasure Hunt: Investigate AI in everyday technology through guided exploration of tablets, smart speakers, gaming devices, and family entertainment systems
• First Coding Adventure: Complete the engaging “Pirate Plunder” coding challenge on Code.org, learning basic programming concepts through treasure hunting and puzzle-solving
• AI Storytelling Magic: Collaborate with DeepSeek AI to generate personalized adventure stories featuring the students as heroes, understanding how AI can be a creative partner
• Smart Device Exploration: Hands-on interaction with AI-powered devices and apps, discovering how they recognize voices, faces, and preferences
• AI vs. Regular Programs: Learn to distinguish between AI-powered “smart” features and traditional computer programs through interactive demonstrations

Learning Focus: Develop fundamental understanding of AI through exciting, hands-on exploration while building enthusiasm for the creative possibilities of AI technology.

Week 2: Teaching AI to Learn Like We Do! 🎓

Interactive Learning Experiences:

• Pattern Detective Games: Analyze pattern recognition through engaging emoji sorting games, color sequence challenges, and visual puzzle activities
• Train Your Own Ocean AI: Use Code.org’s “AI for Oceans” platform to train AI models that can identify and sort ocean creatures, learning how AI improves with more examples
• Supervised Learning Adventure: Understand how AI learns from examples through interactive visual demonstrations using familiar objects like toys, snacks, and school supplies
• Data Detective Activities: Observe how AI performance improves with more training data through before-and-after demonstrations and hands-on experiments
• AI Training Simulation: Experience being an “AI trainer” through role-playing games where students teach each other to recognize patterns and make predictions
• Create Your First AI Model: Build a simple image classifier using Teachable Machine to recognize their own drawings of favorite animals or characters

Learning Focus: Grasp fundamental machine learning concepts through direct experimentation with training your own simple AI models using intuitive, game-like interfaces.

Week 3: Different Ways AI Can Learn 🧪

Hands-On Exploration Activities:

• Dance Party AI Magic: Generate AI effects for animated characters using Code.org’s “Dance Party: AI Edition,” understanding how AI can create and modify digital content
• Pattern Sorting Challenges: Complete online pattern recognition games and classification challenges using colorful, engaging interfaces designed for young learners
• Maze Master AI: Observe and interact with reinforcement learning through virtual maze-solving AI that learns through trial and error, just like students learning a new game
• Learning Style Comparison: Compare different AI approaches (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement) through interactive demonstrations and simplified explanations
• AI Pet Training Simulator: Experience different learning methods through virtual pet training games where AI characters learn tricks through various approaches
• Creative AI Experiments: Explore unsupervised learning through AI that finds hidden patterns in student artwork and musical preferences

Learning Focus: Discover different AI learning methods through engaging digital experiments that make abstract concepts concrete and understandable.

Week 4: How AI Makes Smart Decisions 🤔

Decision-Making Discovery Activities:

• Conditional Logic Farming: Program conditional statements in Code.org’s “Harvesting with Conditionals,” learning if-then thinking through agricultural games and challenges
• Webcam Magic Projects: Build face-tracking interactions using browser-based tools, creating AI that responds to their movements and expressions
• Emotion Detection Art: Create digital art filters using Scratch AI that change colors and patterns based on detected facial expressions and emotions
• Smart Game Design: Design scoring systems and adaptive difficulty for AI-powered games that respond to player skill level and preferences
• Decision Tree Adventures: Learn how AI makes choices through interactive decision tree games using scenarios from their daily lives
• Voice Command Creation: Build simple voice-controlled applications that respond to their spoken commands and questions

Learning Focus: Understand AI decision-making through coding activities that emphasize logical thinking, cause-and-effect relationships, and conditional reasoning.

Week 5: Teaching AI to See and Recognize 👁️

Visual Recognition Adventures:

• Feature Detective Mission: Explore how AI identifies objects through interactive demonstrations showing how computers “see” shapes, colors, and patterns
• Object Identification Coding: Write simple visual programming code for recognizing and categorizing familiar objects like school supplies, toys, and snacks
• Data Quality Experiments: Learn about training data quality through hands-on sorting activities using clear vs. blurry images, good vs. poor lighting examples
• Sports AI Game Builder: Create a digital sports game using visual programming that recognizes player movements and tracks performance
• Photo Classification Challenge: Build AI models that can distinguish between different categories of photos they take themselves
• Real-Time Recognition Fun: Create AI applications that recognize and respond to their drawings, hand gestures, and facial expressions in real-time

Learning Focus: Understand computer vision and pattern recognition through hands-on activities that connect AI capabilities to your visual world and artistic expression.

Week 6: Advanced AI Creation Workshop 🛠️

Comprehensive Project Development:

• Emotion Recognition AI Studio: Create sophisticated emotion detection AI using Teachable Machine that responds to their facial expressions with different sounds, colors, or animations
• Animal Sound Symphony: Develop an animal sound classifier through browser-based tools, creating an interactive digital zoo where AI recognizes and responds to different animal sounds
• AI Model Testing Laboratory: Test and refine their digital AI models through systematic experimentation, learning the importance of iterative improvement and debugging
• Voice-Controlled Game Creation: Build interactive games that respond to their voice commands, clapping, or singing
• Family Photo AI Organizer: Create AI that can recognize and sort photos of family members, pets, and favorite activities
• Creative AI Art Generator: Design AI systems that create unique artwork based on their preferences and input

Learning Focus: Apply accumulated knowledge to build sophisticated, personalized AI projects that demonstrate your growing expertise and creativity.

Week 7: AI Solutions for Real Problems 💡

Problem-Solving Innovation Activities:

• Classroom Helper AI Design: Identify real problems in their school or home environment and brainstorm AI solutions, such as AI that helps organize toys or reminds them of homework
• Community Challenge Solutions: Explore how AI could help solve problems they care about: AI that helps find lost pets, AI that makes games more fun for everyone, or AI that helps people learn new languages
• Accessibility AI Projects: Design AI tools that could help people with different abilities, such as AI that reads text aloud or AI that describes pictures for people who can’t see them
• Environmental Helper AI: Create concepts for AI that could help protect animals, reduce waste, or make their community cleaner and healthier
• AI for Learning Enhancement: Design AI tutors or study buddies that could help them and their friends learn new subjects in fun, personalized ways
• Project Planning Workshop: Learn to break down big ideas into manageable steps, understanding the process from imagination to implementation

Learning Focus: Apply design thinking to develop meaningful AI solution concepts while considering the real-world impact and benefits of AI technology.

Week 8: Showcase & Celebration Spectacular! 🏆

Culminating Achievement Activities:

• AI Project Exhibition: Present their completed AI projects in a professional-style showcase, demonstrating their creations to classmates, family members, and special guests
• Interactive Demonstration Stations: Set up hands-on demonstration areas where visitors can interact with their AI models and experience their creativity firsthand
• AI Creator Interviews: Participate in “interview” sessions where they explain their projects, demonstrate their AI models, and share what they learned throughout the course
• Peer Appreciation Ceremony: Provide and receive positive feedback using structured appreciation activities that celebrate creativity, effort, and achievement
• AI Innovation Awards: Celebrate different types of achievements: Most Creative Project, Best Problem-Solving AI, Most Helpful AI, Funniest AI Creation, and Most Improved AI Creator
• Future AI Visionary Session: Share ideas for future AI projects and discuss how they might continue exploring AI and programming
• Digital Portfolio Creation: Compile their projects into a digital portfolio they can share with family and friends, documenting their journey from AI novice to AI creator

Learning Focus: Experience the complete project development cycle while building confidence in presenting technical work and celebrating your achievements as emerging AI creators.

Course Features ✨

Professional-Grade Digital Tools (Adapted for Young Learners): 🧰

• Code.org Educational Platform: Age-appropriate coding activities including Pirate Plunder adventures, AI for Oceans conservation projects, and Harvesting with Conditionals farming games
• Google’s Teachable Machine: The same tool used by professional developers, adapted with child-friendly interfaces for creating custom image, sound, and pose recognition models
• Scratch AI Extensions: Interactive programming environment for building face recognition projects, emotion detection games, and voice-controlled applications
• DeepSeek Creative AI: Safe, supervised AI writing experiences for collaborative storytelling and creative expression
• Interactive Learning Simulations: Browser-based reinforcement learning demonstrations and pattern recognition games designed specifically for elementary learners
• Real-Time AI Cameras: Webcam-based projects that respond to student movements, expressions, and voice commands
• Digital Portfolio Tools: Child-friendly platforms for documenting, organizing, and sharing their AI creations

Engaging Learning Methodology: 📝

• Game-Based Discovery: Learning through interactive games, puzzles, and challenges that make complex concepts feel like play
• Hands-On Experimentation: Direct manipulation of AI tools and immediate feedback to reinforce learning through experience
• Creative Expression Integration: Combining AI learning with art, storytelling, music, and personal interests to maintain engagement
• Collaborative Team Projects: Small-group activities that develop social skills while exploring AI concepts together
• Individual Exploration Time: Self-paced discovery sessions where students can pursue their particular interests and curiosities
• Show-and-Tell Celebrations: Regular opportunities to share discoveries and creations, building presentation skills and confidence
• Real-World Connection Activities: Relating AI concepts to students’ daily experiences with technology, games, and family life

Comprehensive Skill Development: 🎯

• Computational Thinking: Developing logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-decomposition skills through age-appropriate activities
• Creative Technology Use: Learning to use technology as a tool for creative expression rather than passive consumption
• Communication Skills: Building ability to explain technical concepts clearly and enthusiastically to different audiences
• Collaboration Abilities: Working effectively with peers on shared projects while respecting different ideas and approaches
• Critical Thinking: Understanding when and how to use AI tools appropriately while maintaining human creativity and judgment
• Future-Ready Mindset: Building confidence and curiosity about technology while understanding its role in solving real-world problems

Requirements 📋

• Computer or tablet with reliable internet access for interactive online activities
• Built-in or external webcam for face recognition and movement-based projects
• Modern web browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended for optimal tool compatibility)
• Comfortable seating and workspace suitable for one-hour focused learning sessions
• No additional software installation required—all activities happen through secure web browsers
• No physical materials, kits, or supplies needed—everything is digital and cloud-based
• Enthusiasm for exploration, creativity, and trying new technological experiences
• Willingness to share creations and collaborate with classmates in a supportive learning environment

Join the Digital AI Coding Adventure! 🎒

Limited spots available in each session to ensure personalized attention and optimal learning experience.

This course offers a unique opportunity for young learners to move beyond being technology consumers to become technology creators, all through accessible digital tools and engaging online activities.

Register now to begin the journey from tech user to tech creator! 🚀

All digital tools used are free, web-based, and designed specifically for young learners with age-appropriate content and interfaces. Live instructor guidance provided throughout each session. 👨‍🏫👩‍🏫