Grades 3-4

How Computers Think

Students bridge from play-based exploration to structured inquiry, learning how computers use data, rules, and patterns to solve problems. They begin using simple digital tools alongside unplugged activities and develop early critical thinking about technology.

Units (4)

Unit 1

Data Detectives

4 weeks

Students learn what data is and how computers use it. They collect simple data (surveys, observations), organize it into charts and tables, and discover that computers need organized data to make decisions.

Representation & ReasoningLearning

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Unit 2

Teaching a Computer

4 weeks

Students discover that computers learn from examples, just like they do. They create training sets, test simple classifiers, and experience firsthand how the quality and quantity of examples affects what a computer learns.

LearningPerception

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Unit 3

Algorithms All Around

4 weeks

Students write, debug, and optimize simple algorithms. They use Scratch or ScratchJr to create short programs, experience that algorithms can have bugs, and learn that computers follow instructions exactly.

Representation & ReasoningNatural Interaction

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Unit 4

AI for Good — Capstone

3-4 weeks

Students apply what they have learned to think about how AI can help people and communities. They design (on paper) a "smart helper" that solves a real problem, present it to the class, and discuss what could go wrong and how to be fair.

Societal ImpactRepresentation & ReasoningLearning

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Tools Used

Camera or tablet for collecting imagesChart paper and markersColored pencilsColored pencils and stickersDesign templatesExamples of AI in real life (curated images and descriptions)Google Teachable MachineIndex cardsIndex cards with picturesLaptops or tabletsMarkers and paperObjects for classification (books, balls, etc.)Picture books about dataPoster paper and markersSchool environment data examplesScratchScratchJrTally sheets

Grade Level

3-4

Total Units