Computing
Pupils should be taught to:
None.
Check all images, videos, links and presentation slides are suitable for your class.
Print in advance of the lesson.
The Knowledge organiser provides a visual summary of the key facts and vocabulary for the unit. The children can use it throughout the unit to check keyword meanings or spellings and to help them remember important information when completing an activity. Find further ideas for using the Knowledge organiser to support adaptive teaching here.
Subject knowledge
Spot the AI solution
Use the following AI solution ideas to support your class if needed. Highlight how AI can intelligently manage everyday tasks, making life more convenient and efficient.
AI in the kitchen
AI in the bedroom
Before starting this unit, check the children can recall:
Optional: provide each child with a copy of the Knowledge catcher (see link: Assessment: Computing Y6: Exploring AI) and ask them to complete it to the best of their ability. Explain that at the end of the unit, they will revisit it, adding more information in a different colour.
Ask the children:
Discuss the children’s thoughts and ideas and ask the children to share their experiences with AI, such as voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. Explain that AI stands for Artificial Intelligence and is a computer that can think and learn in ways similar to humans.
Arrange the children in groups of four and hand out the Resource: Sorting images (pre-cut, one set per group). Ask the children to sort the images into groups without telling them specific criteria, such as food, animals, etc. Allow time for the children to complete the activity.
Explain to the children that AI learns similarly to human brains. Inform them that humans may need many examples and lots of practice to be able to categorise information accurately and that AI also needs plenty of data to learn patterns. Just as human brains use past experiences to make decisions, AI uses the data it has been trained on to analyse a question or situation and make predictions.
Ask each group to explain the criteria they used for sorting. Discuss how they decided on their sorting criteria and compare this to how AI algorithms sort data based on learnt patterns and features.
Watch the Pupil video: What is AI?
Discuss the following with the children based on the video:
Creating a new AI use
Arrange the children in pairs and hand out whiteboards and pens. Explain to the children that they will explore how AI is used in different situations and think creatively about new sustainable AI applications.
Display slide 1 of the Presentation: Spot the AI solution and ask the children to identify a problem in the kitchen where AI could be useful (see Teacher knowledge).
Click on one of the suggested scenarios (for example, the leaking tap or unwashed dishes) and instruct the children to write down a possible AI solution. Ask them to hold up their whiteboards and discuss their suggestions for a solution (for example, a leak detection sensor or a smart dishwasher assistant – see Teacher knowledge). Repeat for each scenario on slide 1. Proceed to slide 2 and repeat the activity to identify AI solutions within the bedroom.
Hand out the Activity: AI solutions (one sheet between two). Explain to the children that they will create a new use for AI for their given scenario. Encourage them to think about how AI works, what data it needs and how it benefits people.
Before they begin the task, explain that human thinking can sometimes prioritise creativity and emotions, whereas smart technology usually focuses on data processing and pattern recognition. Ask the children to consider why some tasks might be better suited for humans and others for AI.
Join two pairs with the same AI scenario from the Activity: AI solutions. Ask them to share and compare their AI solutions and discuss the similarities and differences. Take feedback on any new ideas or insights they gained from seeing the other group’s work.
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Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac
Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows
Pupils needing support
Should use the internet to support generating ideas for a new AI solution; could rewatch the Pupil video: What is AI? to support understanding the concept of AI.
Pupils working at greater depth
Should consider the strengths and weaknesses of each application; could write an explanation of how the AI would function in their sustainable solution.
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: explaining what AI is and its basic functions; identifying real-life applications of AI that are commonly used in everyday life; discussing how AI can contribute to sustainability and its role in energy efficiency and waste reduction.
Pupils working at greater depth indicated by: identifying multiple real-life applications of AI that are commonly used in everyday life and explaining their purpose; demonstrating a deeper understanding of how AI can play a significant role in the environment.
Artificial Intelligence is the technology that enables machines to think and learn like humans.
A set of steps to solve a problem or perform a task.
Ways in which technology or software is used to perform tasks.
To gain knowledge or skills through study, experience or teaching.
Regular and repeated ways in which something happens or is done.
Taught or conditioned to perform a task or behave in a certain way through practice or instruction.
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 29th October, 2025
Generating HTML through the use of AI.
Exploring the ethical implications of AI.
Assessment quiz and Knowledge catcher for use at the start and/or end of the unit...
Exploring AI image generators to refine prompts.
