AI Under the Hood with AI4K12.org

Educators will participate in a national, cohort-based professional learning experience focused on AI concept development and classroom implementation. Through four synchronous virtual sessions and guided between-session activities, participants will explore the Living and Working with AI curriculum, engage in hands-on AI projects, and prepare to adapt or implement at least one AI-related classroom activity or project.

Upon successful completion, participants may receive recognition or a certificate based on attendance, engagement, and completion of implementation share-out requirements.

By the end of this cohort, learners will be able to:

• Explain foundational AI concepts through the Five Big Ideas in AI framework.

• Use the Living and Working with AI curriculum and resources.

• Explore neural networks and generative AI topics such as image generation and large language models, through hands-on projects.

• Adapt AI projects or mini-lessons for high school classrooms, clubs, camps, or related learning settings.

• Share implementation experiences, classroom adaptations, successes, and challenges with the cohort.

Session Details:

Duration: September–December 2026
Time: Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM ET
Cohort Size: Up to 100 educators
Format: 4 live virtual sessions + asynchronous implementation activities
Dates: September 15, October 13, November 17, December 15, 2026
Audience: High school computer science, STEM, CTE, technology, robotics, or related educators

Eligibility & Registration:

This program is designed for high school educators currently teaching computer science, STEM, CTE, technology, robotics, summer camps, clubs, or related learning experiences where AI projects or concepts could reasonably be implemented. Participants are expected to attend live sessions, join from a computer, actively engage in discussion and collaborative activities, and complete assigned between-session work.

Session Details

1. Pre-Launch / Getting Ready: Review welcome materials, confirm session dates, and review assigned materials before Session 1.

2. Session 1: Program Overview, AI Introduction, and Neural Networks: Overview of the program, brief introduction to AI, introduction to the Living and Working with AI curriculum and resources, and hands-on introduction to Project 1: Neural Networks.

1. Reflection and Classroom Translation: Review assigned materials, reflect on Session 1, and identify how the project could be adapted or implemented.

3. Session 2: Exploring Image Generation: Explore how generative AI creates images using the Diffusion Demo and begin Project 2: Image Generation: Diffusion Project.

1. Implementation / Adaptation Cycle: Adapt a project or mini-lesson and document questions, barriers, and next steps.

4. Session 3: Text Generation: Explore how AI creates statistical models oflanguage, from Markov chains to large language models. Begin Project 3: Genre Mash-Up Text Generator.

1. Classroom Implementation: Implement at least one project where feasible and gather notes, examples, or reflections.

5. Session 4: Implementation Share-Outs: Share experiences adapting and implementing projects in classrooms, discuss successes and challenges, and identify next steps.

1. Program Closeout: Complete final survey or reflection and submit an implementation summary if requested.

About AI4K12.org

The AI for K-12 initiative (AI4K12.org), jointly sponsored by AAAI and CSTA, is developing national guidelines for AI education organized around the 5 Big Ideas in AI. These guidelines use grade-band progression charts to outline essential concepts and skills. AI4K12 also provides an online, curated resource directory filled with books, curriculum materials, professional development courses, and new Activity Resource Guides to facilitate AI instruction. Furthermore, the initiative cultivates a community of practitioners, researchers, and developers, offering classroom tools like a printable Five Big Ideas poster available in multiple languages to support the K-12 audience.