Understand How AI Actually Works
59% of educators believe their students already use generative AI for school. Before they can use it responsibly, they need to understand it. Foundations builds the conceptual knowledge that makes everything else possible.
How AI Makes Predictions
Understanding pattern recognition and probability
What Students Will Learn
Foundations covers the essential concepts every student needs to understand before using AI tools in their academic and professional lives.
How AI "Thinks"
Understand neural networks, pattern recognition, and how AI systems make predictions without the jargon.
AI Limitations
Learn about hallucinations, bias, knowledge cutoffs, and why AI gets things wrong. Critical for responsible use.
Historical Context
Trace the evolution of AI from early computing to today's large language models. Understand where we are and where we're going.
Societal Impact
Explore how AI affects daily life, jobs, privacy, and the future. Students develop informed perspectives.
Curriculum Overview
Four comprehensive modules build understanding progressively, from basic concepts to societal implications.
What is AI?
Start with the basics. Students learn what AI actually is, the different types of AI systems, and how they differ from traditional software.
How AI Learns
Demystify machine learning. Students understand how AI systems are trained, what data they use, and how they improve over time.
Capabilities & Limits
Set realistic expectations. Students learn what AI can and cannot do, and why understanding limitations is essential.
AI in Society
Look at the bigger picture. Students explore ethical considerations, societal impact, and their role as informed digital citizens.
Learning Outcomes
By completing Foundations, students achieve measurable competencies that prepare them for applied AI learning.
Conceptual Understanding
Students can explain how AI systems work in their own words.
Critical Awareness
Students recognize AI limitations and potential failure modes.
Informed Perspective
Students understand AI's role in society and can discuss it thoughtfully.
Foundation for Practice
Students are prepared to apply AI tools responsibly.
Understanding Prevents Misuse
Students who understand how AI works are better equipped to use it responsibly. They can recognize when AI outputs might be wrong, understand why certain uses are problematic, and make informed decisions about when and how to use AI tools.
- Recognizes limitations: Knows when not to trust AI blindly
- Understands bias: Can identify potential problems in AI outputs
- Makes informed choices: Decides when AI is appropriate for a task
- Prepared for change: Adapts as AI technology evolves
"55% of young people rely on social media as their primary source for learning about AI, compared to only 15% from educators."
Built for Classrooms
Foundations includes everything teachers need for successful implementation.
Lesson Plans
Complete lesson plans with objectives, activities, and discussion guides for each topic.
Discussion Guides
Facilitation guides for classroom discussions on AI ethics and societal impact.
Flexible Pacing
Self-paced student modules with teacher-led discussion options for different schedules.
Ready to build AI understanding
in your classroom?
See how Foundations can give your students the conceptual knowledge they need to use AI tools responsibly and effectively.