From the moment we launched the AI Academy, our goal was clear: to ignite the spark of innovation and curiosity within Irvington scholars. Over several Saturdays, from March 23 to June 8, 2024, students embarked on a journey that blended theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, exploring the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
The Grand Finale: A Day of Creativity and Collaboration
As the final session of the AI Academy approached, excitement filled the air. Rita Mikita and I, Taryn Federico, were especially thrilled. This was the day we had the privilege to run the session in person, bringing with us not just our expertise but also a wealth of creative takeaways that Rita had tirelessly crafted on the Glowforge.
Glowforge Creations: Inspiring Future Innovators
Rita’s dedication shone through in every piece she made. She had created fun, engaging takeaways for the scholars to build, with the hope that these would inspire them to use their own Glowforges throughout the district. Watching the students’ faces light up as they assembled their projects was a testament to the power of hands-on learning. Each creation was a tangible reminder of what they had learned and a beacon of what they could achieve.
Photon Robots: A Showcase of Ingenuity
The highlight of the day, however, was witnessing the high schoolers take ownership of the Photon robot portion of the session. Equipped with simple supplies like cardboard, paper, tape, glue, and other random items, the scholars were challenged to create obstacles for Photon to navigate.
What unfolded was nothing short of magical. The youngest participants collaborated with the oldest, designing and constructing intricate obstacles. The gym buzzed with energy as teams worked together, their creativity and problem-solving skills on full display.
Testing and Iteration: Lessons in Perseverance
When it came time to test their prototypes, the room was filled with anticipation. Some obstacles worked perfectly on the first try, while others presented unexpected challenges. But instead of being discouraged, the students jumped into action, troubleshooting and iterating on their designs. The perseverance, creativity, and drive were contagious, creating an atmosphere of relentless innovation.
A Memorable Conclusion
As the day wrapped up with delicious local eats, we reflected on the journey the students had taken. From their initial introductions to AI and Makey Makey kits to building circuits and robots with LEGO Spike, each session had built upon the last, culminating in this incredible finale. The AI Academy had not only equipped students with technical skills but also fostered a community of young innovators ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
The AI Academy Experience
Project Objective
The AI Academy aimed to provide 3-12th grade students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in AI and emerging technologies, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of AI’s applications across various fields.
Description
Held over several Saturdays from March 23, 2024, to June 8, 2024, the academy offered a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills through immersive learning experiences.
- Design Thinking and STEM Integration: Students engaged in innovative problem-solving techniques and hands-on projects, integrating design thinking with STEM, focusing on AI and emerging technologies.
- Interactive Learning: Sessions included interactive AI websites and demos like “Guess the AI” and “Create Your Own AI Character” to enhance understanding of AI concepts.
- Hands-On Projects: Utilizing Makey Makey kits and LEGO Spike kits, students built circuits and robots, reinforcing their technical skills and creativity.
- Real-World Applications: Workshops like the AWS GetIT Design Thinking Workshop and the Drone Cadets program provided insights into AI’s practical applications in industries such as filmmaking, agriculture, and emergency response.
The AI Academy’s structured approach and focus on interactive, hands-on learning experiences aimed to inspire and prepare students for future careers in AI and STEM fields. The final session was a perfect culmination of this journey, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
