The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

AI and Ethics: Day 3

Ethical Dilemmas and Algorithms

A 7th & 8th grade STEM lesson

Janae Thomas

June 2023

Notes for teachers

• Context: This lesson is the third day to a multi-day lesson.
• Each “activity” can be completed within a class period, depending on time and choice OR over the course of a couple days.
• Incorporates (social studies) and reading
• This multi-activity lesson can be used as a stand-alone lesson to help students understand ethics and moral dilemmas when it comes to using AI more frequently.
• Lesson 1
• Lesson 2
• Lesson 3
• Lesson 4

List of Materials

• Slides
• Possible printed/guided notes
• Paper
• Pencils

AZ STEM Standards

Computer Science Standards

• 7.CS.D.1: Identify some advantages, disadvantages, and consequences with the design of computer devices based on an analysis of how users interact with devices.

​

​

Science and Engineering Practices

• ask questions and define problems
• engage in argument from evidence

​

• ​
• ​

ELA Standards

• 7.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
• 7.SL.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one‐on‐one, in groups, and teacher‐led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

History:

7.H1.2 Trace the development and impact of scientific, technological, and educational innovations within historical time periods.

Objective(s):

• SWBAT use personal experience and evidence to critically evaluate and think through ethical dilemmas.
• SWBAT understand and develop an algorithm.
• SWBAT share personal experiences and opinions about AI and technology.

Agenda (lesson time)

Day 3 Agenda

• Intro Video: 6-10 Minutes
• Ethics and Moral Dilemmas: 30-45 Minutes
• Algorithms: 30-45 Minutes

​

• Day 1: Introduction to AI
• Day 2: What can be classified as AI
• Day 3: Ethical Dilemmas and AI
• Day 4: Image Recognition and Text Classification

Important Vocabulary Review

• Robots - machines that sense their environment, do calculations of some kind, and then perform an action
• Technology - skills and tools that people use to achieve goals, often to make life easier
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) - a program made by people that makes computers do things that seem intelligent, or smart, in the same way that humans are intelligent

Intro/Driving Question/Opening (6-10 minutes)

Ethical Dilemmas

​

​

​

Important Vocabulary

​

• Ethics - moral guidelines for how people in society should behave if they want to be fair
• A set of guidelines for behaving morally

Ethical Dilemmas �(30-45 Minutes)

This activity can be completed in a variety of ways:

• Individual vs. Pairs/Groups vs. Whole Group
• Individual: Allows the students to really think about how they will act or what decisions they will make based on the given situations
• Pairs vs. Groups: Allows the students to share their feelings with a partner or group, which should make students feel more comfortable sharing out answers in the whole group
• Whole Group: Allows the students to collaborate and share altogether; possibly Socratic Seminar or Philosophical Chairs can be conducted.
• Written vs. Verbal
• Written: Allows the students to really convey their ideas and gives them time to process each dilemma; can be a form of a formative assessment
• Verbal: Allows the students to share that “gut” answer and further discussion with extension questions, scenarios, etc.

Choose whatever method(s) works best with your class and classroom setting!

Dilemma #1 - BrainPOP Example

Yesterday I caught my best friend cheating off my test. He’s never done it before and he begged me to keep it secret. If his parents find out, he’ll be grounded for weeks. What should I do?

Dilemma #2 - Social Media Mess

My best friend and I have been friends for a really long time. Recently, a new student joined our class and my best friend informed me that they do not like the new student but did not tell me why. Later, my best friend posted a really mean post of the new student on Instagram. Now, everyone at the school snickers whenever the new student walks by. I feel really bad for the new student but I want to remain loyal to my friend. What should I do?

Dilemma #3 - Big Brother

A school wants to install new artificial intelligence “chatbots” with cameras in each space in their building, including classrooms, hallways, and stairwells. These devices have the capability to listen to and recognize human speech, connect with the other devices in the building, and take pictures and video. The devices are marketed as a way to help teachers and students and keep everyone safe. However, some people think that installing the chatbots will invade everyone’s privacy and will be a distraction. What are the pros and cons of the school installing these devices? Should the school install them?

Dilemma #4 - The Chip

The government recently patented a new form of technology that they believe will change the course of any human-being’s life: the Chip. After inserting this microscopic microchip right behind your left ear, the Chip will collect all and any data concerning your health, including (but not limited to) weight, age, height, race, ongoing illnesses, new illnesses, etc. However, upon purchase and installation of the Chip, you agree that this data will also be automatically shared to government agencies in order to better development for future versions and collect data about the different populations within our society. The Chip is relatively cheap and certain state governments are even offering some programs where low-income families can receive their Chips for free. What are some pros and cons of this new invention? Is this a step towards the right direction for our society?

Assessment - Written Response

• In at least one paragraph, answer the following questions:
• Why are ethical dilemmas so hard?
• Why are ethics important when dealing with AI?
• What can be some consequences of not thinking or acting morally when it concerns AI?

Algorithms �(30-45 Minutes)

This activity and the following activity can be use to introduce algorithms and how they operate to your students if they are not familiar with the algorithms or using coding programs like Scratch. If they are familiar with coding and robots, I recommend skipping this portion.

I recommend having the students complete it in pairs or groups, however, it can be done individually.

• Students’ assessment will be them create an algorithm for the creating the best pizza.

Intro/Driving Question/Opening (6-10 minutes)

Algorithms

​

​

Important Vocabulary

​

• Algorithm: A set of steps or rules to follow in order to solve a problem or accomplish a specific goal.
• Three main parts:
• the input
• the steps to change the input
• the output

Examples

Traditional Algorithms

AI Algorithms

​

Cake Recipe Algorithm Example

Algorithm for baking a cake:

​

Input (Ingredients): Eggs, flour, sugar, baking soda, flavoring

​

Steps to Change Input (Recipe):

1. Preheat oven
2. Mix together dry ingredients
3. Mix together wet ingredients
4. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients
5. ...

Output

Assessment - Pizza Recipe Algorithm

YOUR TURN! Create an algorithm to make the BEST pizza.

​

Input (Ingredients):

• Dough
• Cheese
• Sauce
• Toppings?
• Anything Else?

​

Steps to Change Input (Recipe):

1. (Tell the chef what to do!)

Key Question

If you were to give your algorithm to an automated pizza machine/app that makes pizza based on your steps, would your algorithm be considered Artificial Intelligence? Why or why not?

​

Think about the 4 main things AI can do.

​

Differentiation

• Any of the slides contain notes can be printed to provide to students to take notes or follow along.
• Different grouping strategies can be used for all these activities.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• For the Ethical Dilemmas activity, talking “tokens” or “chips” to be given to students, to ensure productive and respectful conversation.
• For the Algorithms activity, you can encourage students to create another algorithm for the their favorite food.