STEM Artificial Intelligence Literacy Curriculum

 What is Artificial Intelligence Literacy?

Understanding AI Beyond the Hype

For many, the term "Artificial Intelligence" (AI) conjures images from science fiction—often depicting futuristic robots with world-altering ambitions. However, this common portrayal fails to capture the true essence and expansive role of AI in our contemporary world.

Far from being a distant concept, AI is a powerful technology that has seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, enhancing efficiency and driving innovation across countless industries.

Who Can Learn Artificial Intelligence Literacy?

At NextWaveSTEM®, we offer STEM Artificial Intelligence courses for kids and professional development for teachers.

Grade K-2
Introduction to AI Literacy: Lions, and Tigers, and an Introduction to AI!

Grade 3-5
Discovery of AI Literacy: ARTificial Intelligence Artists

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Students investigate core Artificial Intelligence ideas while connecting them to creative practice in a series of “wonder”-driven lessons. Across a 15-lesson sequence, learners examine how AI can support artistic workflows and problem-solving, strengthen computational thinking, and develop creative confidence through structured, age-appropriate AI explorations.

Technology
and gear used:

The course includes 15 lessons, supported by program resources designed for classroom deployment.

Instruction emphasizes guided, creative AI activities for grades 3–5; educator-facing implementation support is provided per course materials to ensure consistent delivery across sessions.

Grade 6-8
Exploration of AI Literacy: Character AIsland

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Students explore Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and chatbots by designing virtual characters in a guided digital environment. Over the lessons, students apply practical AI concepts, text, voice, and image recognition, while training and iterating on conversational agents, building durable skills in computational thinking, data use, and iterative problem-solving.

Technology
and gear used:

Instruction utilizes Scratch and Machine Learning for Kids, focusing on training and programming virtual characters and exploring multimodal recognition.
The course includes 15+ lessons with Unlimited Yearly LMS Access and Professional Development, providing structured teacher support and ready-to-use materials for consistent implementation.

Grades 9-12
Creation & Evaluation of Advanced Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Literacy

Introduction and learning outcomes:

High school learners deepen AI literacy by examining modern machine learning use cases and their practical implications.

In the lessons, students build skills in Python to create their own “smart” chatbots and machine learning models, aligning outcomes with STEM and CTE pathways.

Technology
and gear used:

The sequence centers on Python skill building, model training workflows, and applied chatbot use cases as outlined in the course materials.
Program delivery includes 15+ lessons; resources emphasize hands-on machine learning practice  suitable for secondary learners, with licensing and access structured for instructional use.

Why Artificial Intelligence Literacy?

Why should we learn and teach AI? The world is changing at a breakneck pace for you and your students. Students are digital natives and affecting change in ways that would have been difficult to imagine even one generation ago.

The new world that students are growing up in and living in now isn’t just being built using code but also increasingly using artificial intelligence.

Read: Artificial Intelligence for Kids: All You Need to Know

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? A Technical Definition

At its core, Artificial Intelligence is a field of computer science dedicated to creating systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Rather than being a simple program, an AI system is built on complex algorithms that enable it to:

• Identify Patterns: Analyze vast amounts of data to recognize trends, connections, and recurring patterns that would be imperceptible to humans.

• Make Predictions: Utilize statistical models and machine learning to forecast future outcomes based on historical data.

• Support Decision-Making: Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to help humans and automated systems make more informed and effective choices.

In essence, AI empowers machines to learn from experience, adapt to new inputs, and execute human-like tasks with precision and speed.

The Real-World Impact: Where AI is Present Today

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a practical tool that powers many of the services we use every day. Its applications are diverse and continually expanding, fundamentally changing how we live, work, and interact. Key examples include:

• E-commerce and Online Shopping: AI algorithms provide personalized product recommendations, optimize pricing, and manage inventory based on consumer behavior and market trends.

• Digital and Business Marketing: AI tools analyze customer data to create targeted advertising campaigns, automate customer service through chatbots, and predict market shifts, enabling businesses to reach the right audience with the right message.

• Social Media Platforms: AI curates your newsfeed by prioritizing content it predicts you will find engaging, identifies and removes inappropriate content, and suggests connections and groups based on your activity.

• Beyond the Obvious: AI's influence extends to navigation apps that calculate the fastest routes, financial systems that detect fraudulent transactions, and healthcare diagnostics that assist doctors in identifying diseases earlier.

 How Can I Bring Artificial Intelligence Literacy to My School?

Anyone can teach Artificial Intelligence! With all NextWaveSTEM® courses, Curriculum & LMS Access, Equipment Kits, and Student Connection Materials are included. The only thing left to decide is whether you want to teach the course or you want a NextWaveSTEM® certified mentor to teach.