Photo by AI for Social Empowerment: Empowering K-12 Students to Shape the World Around Them
As I drive through the suburbs to the city, I often wonder why the tree canopy dwindles down as skyscrapers rise up. A group of students from the New England Innovation Academy asked the same question and decided to take matters into their own hands. They wondered why there were plenty of trees in their backyards but almost none in Boston, just 30 minutes away.
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The tree canopy in Boston
Their curiosity sparked an innovative idea – to prototype a mobile app that illustrates Massachusetts deforestation trends using artificial intelligence. This project was part of the Day of AI curriculum, a free, hands-on program developed by the MIT Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) initiative.
The Day of AI curriculum introduces K-12 students to artificial intelligence, enabling them to improve their communities and collaborate on larger global challenges. It’s a powerful tool that allows students to express themselves creatively, think critically, and develop responsible AI solutions.
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Students collaborating on a project
The TreeSavers app, developed by students Ileana Fournier, Victoria Leeth, and Jessie Magenyi, falls under the Telling Climate Stories with Data module, one of four new climate-change-focused lessons. The app charts regional deforestation rates across Massachusetts, identifies ongoing trends through statistical models, and predicts environmental impact.
“We want you to be able to express yourselves creatively, using AI to solve problems with critical-thinking skills,” said Cynthia Breazeal, director of MIT RAISE. “We want you to have an ethical and responsible way to think about this really powerful, cool, and exciting technology.”
More than 10,000 educators across 114 countries have brought Day of AI activities to their classrooms and homes. The curriculum gives students the agency to evaluate local issues and invent meaningful solutions.
Robert Parks, curriculum developer at MIT RAISE, emphasized the importance of creating tools that allow kids to have direct access to data and have a personal connection that intersects with their lived experiences.
The Day of AI global celebration featured presentations from MIT, the Museum of Science, and NASA, highlighting the power of collaboration in STEM education.
“We’re going to get better solutions through different ideas and different perspectives,” said Christine Cunningham, senior vice president of STEM Learning at the Museum of Science.
Christine Cunningham, senior vice president of STEM Learning at the Museum of Science
The 2024 Day of AI celebration demonstrated that students are prepared to use AI responsibly to make the world a better place. By empowering them with the skills and knowledge to create positive change, we can build a brighter future for all.
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Students examining a prototype
