K–2 · Noticing, Sorting, Teaching

What Is a Machine?

Unit 1 lays the foundation of AI literacy for young children: what a machine is, and why machines need clear, step-by-step instructions from a person. Across five 20–30 minute lessons, students meet Kai the robot, give clear instructions, learn that order matters, and discover they are Kai’s teacher.

📘 5 lessons · 20–30 min lessons📄 5 printable activities + certificate

The 5 lessons

  1. 1

    What Is a Machine?

    20–30 min

    Children learn a machine does a job when a person gives it instructions, and meet Kai, the robot they'll teach all year.

    Vocabulary: machine · instruction · robot · Kai

  2. 2

    Machines Follow Instructions

    20–30 min

    Students discover a machine does exactly what it's told, so clear instructions get the right result.

    Vocabulary: machine · instruction · clear · Kai

  3. 3

    Step-by-Step Thinking

    20–30 min

    Kids learn that order matters: a machine needs its steps in the right sequence to finish a job.

    Vocabulary: sequence · instruction · machine · Kai

  4. 4

    Teaching Kai a Task

    20–30 min

    Students build and give Kai a clear multi-step sequence to complete a whole task, putting them in charge as the teacher.

    Vocabulary: sequence · instruction · machine · Kai

  5. 5

    Review and Reflect

    20–30 min

    A playful review of machines, instructions, and sequences, ending with each child teaching Kai a short task start to finish.

    Vocabulary: machine · instruction · sequence · Kai

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