TL;DR: Day of AI is MIT's free AI literacy curriculum for K-12 education, providing teachers with ready-to-use lesson plans, activities, and resources to teach students about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and AI ethics.
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What is Day of AI?
Day of AI is an initiative from MIT's Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) group, in collaboration with i2 Learning. It provides a free, standards-aligned curriculum that introduces K-12 students to artificial intelligence concepts, hands-on AI activities, and discussions about AI ethics and societal impact. The programme is designed so that any teacher -- regardless of technical background -- can facilitate an AI learning experience in their classroom.
Getting Started
Step 1: Access the Curriculum
- Visit Day of AI
- Register for a free teacher account
- All curriculum materials are available at no cost
Step 2: Choose Grade-Appropriate Materials
- Select lesson plans for your grade band (elementary, middle, or high school)
- Review the teacher guide for preparation notes and discussion prompts
- Download or access materials digitally for classroom use
Core Features
Curriculum Structure
- Age-appropriate lesson plans for grades K-12
- Each lesson designed for 45-60 minutes of classroom time
- No prior AI or programming knowledge required from teachers
- Aligned with computer science education standards (CSTA, ISTE)
Grade Band Topics
| Grade Band | Key Topics | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| K-2 (Ages 5-7) | What is AI, AI in daily life | Sorting games, pattern recognition activities |
| 3-5 (Ages 8-10) | How AI learns, training data, bias | Training simple classifiers, discussing fairness |
| 6-8 (Ages 11-13) | Machine learning, natural language processing | Building ML models, chatbot experiments |
| 9-12 (Ages 14-18) | Neural networks, generative AI, AI ethics | Hands-on ML projects, ethical case studies |
AI Ethics and Responsible AI
- Lessons on algorithmic bias and fairness
- Discussion prompts about AI's impact on society
- Case studies on real-world AI applications and their consequences
- Activities that help students think critically about AI's role in their lives
Teacher Resources
- Detailed teacher guides with step-by-step instructions
- Slide decks ready for classroom presentation
- Student worksheets and activity materials
- Assessment rubrics and discussion guides
- Professional development webinars and training sessions
Tips for Best Results
- Start with the introductory "What is AI?" lesson even for older students to establish a shared vocabulary
- Use the discussion prompts provided -- student engagement with AI ethics topics is often the most impactful part
- Adapt the lessons to your students' interests by connecting AI concepts to subjects they care about (sports, music, gaming)
- Consider running Day of AI as a school-wide event to build momentum and cross-disciplinary connections
Pricing
Day of AI is completely free. All curriculum materials, teacher guides, student activities, and resources are provided at no cost. The programme is funded by MIT and its partners to promote AI literacy in K-12 education.
Try Day of AI
Ready to bring AI education to your classroom? Visit Day of AI's official website to access free curriculum materials, or view Day of AI details, alternatives & reviews for ratings, alternatives, and user reviews.
FAQs
Do teachers need technical experience to use Day of AI?
No. The curriculum is specifically designed for teachers without a technical background. Teacher guides include detailed instructions, talking points, and anticipated student questions with suggested answers.
Is Day of AI only for computer science classes?
No. While it fits naturally in CS classes, the lessons are designed to be used across subjects. English teachers can use AI writing-related lessons, social studies teachers can focus on AI ethics, and science teachers can explore how AI is used in research.
How long does it take to complete the full curriculum?
Each lesson is designed for a single class period (45-60 minutes). Teachers can use a single lesson as a standalone "Day of AI" event or incorporate multiple lessons into a longer unit over several weeks.
Can I use Day of AI for homeschooling?
Yes. The materials are freely available and work well for homeschool settings. Some activities are designed for group discussion, so you may want to adapt them for smaller groups or pair them with online discussion forums.
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Last updated: February 2026
