By Jeffries F. Epps, Staff Writer
Today, the middle school cohort took a giant leap into the world of artificial intelligence, making it tangible and accessible through hands-on activities with Microbits and CreateAi. The session aimed to demystify AI by merging fun and learning, leaving students both inspired and fascinated.
The journey began with a crash course in machine learning principles. Students collected accelerometer datasets, teaching the computer to detect and identify various movements. The first activity focused on recognizing a wave and a clap, giving the students their first taste of how machines interpret human actions.
Next, the challenge ramped up as they attached the Microbit to their waist, teaching the computer to recognize directional movements—forward, backward, left, and right. This exercise blended physical activity with computational thinking, helping students connect data input to machine output in a hands-on way.
The grand finale saw the Microbit attached to a RoboMaster EP Core robot. Students coded the robot to move and trained the computer to identify its actions. The combination of robotics and machine learning showcased AI’s real-world applications, sparking conversations about the future of technology and innovation.
“I was amazed at how the computer could ‘learn’ from the data we gave it,” said one student. “It’s like teaching it a new language!”
By the end of the session, students had a deeper understanding of how AI interprets data and reacts, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications. It’s safe to say that AI isn’t just a futuristic buzzword—it’s becoming a tangible tool for these budding tech enthusiasts.
As the session concluded, the excitement was palpable, with students already buzzing about what they would tackle next. For this cohort, the future of AI is not just something they’ll watch unfold—it’s something they’re ready to shape.