Entry Level Artificial Intelligence Course

📚 Course Overview

This course offers a foundational introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, guiding students through the core concepts that enable machines to learn and interact with the world. We begin by defining AI and exploring its fundamental tools, such as sensors for perception and algorithms for instruction following. The curriculum then delves into how machines acquire intelligence through data (Machine Learning) and examines the creative potential of Generative AI. Finally, the course integrates the mechanical hardware (Robotics) with the smart brain, concluding with essential ethical guidelines necessary for responsible and helpful use of powerful AI technologies.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Define Artificial Intelligence and differentiate a 'smart' machine system from traditional automated toys.
2. Explain the function of sensors, algorithms, and data training in enabling machine perception and learning.
3. Analyze the connection between AI software (the 'brain') and Robotics hardware (the 'body'), and apply basic ethical rules for interacting safely with these technologies.

🔹 Lesson 1: Awakening the Sleeping Robot (Hello AI)

Overview: Understanding what Artificial Intelligence is and how a machine with a 'smart brain' is different from simple, remote-controlled toys.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define AI as a machine that can think, learn, and respond independently.
• Distinguish between AI-driven robots and non-AI toys (cause and effect).
• Understand that AI listens and processes information (voice commands).
• Identify real-world AI relatives, such as smart home assistants.

🔹 Lesson 2: Eyes and Ears for Machines (Sensors)

Overview: Exploring how machines sense and perceive the world using specialized sensors, which act as the robot's eyes and ears.

Learning Outcomes:

• Introduce sensors (cameras, microphones) as the machine's 'five senses'.
• Understand that machines interpret sensory input as 'numbers' or data, not images/sounds directly.
• Practice using machine vision to identify objects or faces in an interactive game.
• Recognize sensor technology in everyday tools like barcode scanners.

🔹 Lesson 3: The Robot's Recipe Book (Algorithms)

Overview: Learning why machines follow instructions in a specific order. Algorithms are the detailed, step-by-step recipes machines use to solve problems.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define an algorithm as the ordered steps or 'recipe' for completing a task.
• Understand that the order of steps is crucial for machines to succeed.
• Participate in a pathfinding game to provide sequential instructions to a robot.
• Identify real-world applications of algorithms, such as GPS navigation.

🔹 Lesson 4: How Machines Get Smart (Data & Training)

Overview: Discovering the concept of Machine Learning. Machines are not born smart; they need 'training' by looking at lots of examples (data) to find patterns.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain that machines learn through 'training,' similar to how humans learn to ride a bike.
• Understand the role of data (pictures, examples) in helping AI classify objects.
• Practice being a 'coach' by training a robot to recognize different items.
• Discuss the importance of feeding AI positive and accurate training information.

🔹 Lesson 5: The Magic Sketchpad (Generative AI)

Overview: Exploring the creative power of Generative AI, which allows machines to draw pictures, write stories, and create things that never existed before.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define Generative AI as the ability of a machine to create novel content.
• Distinguish generated content from simple collages or copying.
• Use interactive prompts to witness AI transforming simple ideas into detailed artwork.
• Recognize the limitless imaginative potential of AI (e.g., drawing winged elephants).

🔹 Lesson 6: The Iron Super-Body (Robotics)

Overview: Understanding the physical side of AI. The mechanical body (robotics) carries out the commands given by the AI brain using joints, motors, and batteries.

Learning Outcomes:

• Differentiate between AI (the intelligence/brain) and Robotics (the physical body).
• Understand the role of physical components like motors and actuators in movement.
• Practice controlling a simulated robotic arm to perform a precise physical task.
• Identify everyday household robots (e.g., vacuum cleaners) as integrated AI systems.

🔹 Lesson 7: Rules for Good Friends (Ethics)

Overview: Establishing ethical guidelines and 'Good Friend Rules' for interacting with powerful AI, ensuring machines are used as helpful assistants.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand that AI must follow rules and listen to good human commands.
• Establish AI's primary role as a helpful assistant, not a bad influence.
• Practice ethical decision-making when presented with scenario choices for the robot.
• Recognize human responsibility in commanding and training AI systems kindly and fairly.