Hour of Code Event AI Projects for Beginners
These one-hour robotics and coding lessons aim to help young students express their creativity through AI-inspired activities
We are excited to announce our participation in the worldwide Hour of Code™ event, taking place during Computer Science Education Week on December 4–10, 2023. This initiative introduces millions of students to computer programming through focused, easy-to-implement one-hour activities.
KinderLab, the creators of the screen-free STEAM KIBO™ robot, has joined hundreds of partners to support this movement by submitting two activities to the Hour of Code 2023 event, which were announced today. These new Hour of Code approved activities are AI focused based on this year’s Hour of Code Theme – “Creativity with AI.”
By introducing robotics in early learning, KIBO presents STEAM and AI concepts in a playful way and gets even the youngest learners excited about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Says Jason Innes, Director of Curriculum, Training, and Product Management, “We can make advanced and abstract ideas like AI accessible to young kids when we stick with what works in early childhood: hands-on experience with physical manipulatives and playful opportunities for self-directed knowledge construction. KIBO provides a research-proven method to explore computer science, engineering, and now AI concepts in early childhood STEM education.“
KinderLab Robotics’ Two Hour of Code activities:
- Hour of Code: An Introduction to AI with KIBO – In this activity, young learners learn about AI with the hands-on KIBO robot. Students will explore the big ideas of artificial intelligence and see how they relate to their own experiences. They’ll review the fundamentals of KIBO programming that relate to AI while practicing creating programs using repeat loops that allow KIBO to operate independently.
- Hour of Code: AI – A KIBO Mars Rover – In this AI activity, kids create a rover robot that uses its sensors and programming to explore a new environment and operate independently. KIBO will illustrate the “sense – think – act” cycle that is fundamental to both robotics and AI.
In addition to providing activities for the Hour of Code, KinderLab will mark the end of Computer Science Education Week at the Museum of Science in Boston on Sunday, December 10th. KIBO will be on hand at the Museum to introduce young visitors to robotics and coding through fun, educational hands-on activities and AI projects for beginners.
Want more AI Projects for Beginners?
Download the free AI Curriculum, Thinking with KIBO: Introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Early Grades! This free curriculum offers 5 lessons for students in grades 1–3 to understand how AI tools work and think critically about how these tools can improve lives in their communities.
With Thinking with KIBO, students explore fundamental ideas about AI through activities with the hands-on, screen-free KIBO robot. These lessons are ideal for a 5–6 week unit in computer science or technology/media classes, as well as after-school programs, enrichment centers, libraries, makerspaces, and more!
Meet KIBO, the Screen-free Educational STEAM Robot
KIBO, the learning robot designed specifically for elementary-aged kids, offers an inviting, engaging platform for young children to start their journey into creating with code in a fun and creative way. KIBO’s block-based coding language gives children control over the robot’s movements, sounds, and sensors, allowing them to express their imaginations with code. The KIBO curriculum for educators also teaches children to tell stories, create characters, and explore the world around them through code. KIBO is the number one choice in screen-free coding for kids – trusted by more parents and schools to introduce today’s youth to the wonders of technology and robotics.
