Sorting Information

Me with (Smart) Objects

7-8 years

30 min

Learning goal :

Learning to use AI safely

Pedagogical Intention :

Learning to use AI safely for myself

Target skills :

Becoming aware of the digital footprint.

Materials :

Two distinct boxes:
A transparent (or open) box named "The Whole World" (representing the AI).
An opaque box with a lid named "The Secret Garden" (representing private life).
A "Data" card game: cards with simple words or drawings:
My first name, My address, My favorite color, My photo, My cat's name, My school, What I ate for lunch, The tablet code, My mood (sad/happy).

Detailed Procedure :

Step 1: AI Has No Eraser The teacher explains: "When you talk to an AI, it's as if you are writing with a magic marker impossible to erase on a giant wall that everyone can look at. AI learns from what you give it. If you give it a secret, it keeps it forever in its memory." Step 2: The Great Sort (The Action) A card is given to each child (or pair). Children must place their card in one of the two boxes after thinking: Box "The Whole World" (Public Info): For things that don't allow us to be recognized or harmed (e.g., "I love dinosaurs," "The name of my cat"). Box "The Secret Garden" (Private Info): For things that belong to us and must protect us (e.g., "My address," "A photo of me in pajamas," "The name of my school"). Step 3: The "Why?" Debate The teacher pulls out certain cards from the transparent box and asks: "If I tell the AI I live at 12 Flower Street, can it help someone find me without my wanting them to?" "If I tell it I like blue, is that serious?" Step 4: The Golden Rule We conclude by creating a small class slogan: "If it's for me, I keep it for myself. If it's for everyone, the AI can know it." Debriefing and Key Concepts: The digital footprint: Understand that data sent to an AI feeds its database permanently. Digital identity: Learn to separate your tastes (harmless) from your personal details (dangerous). Responsibility: Make the child responsible for the content of the messages they type.

Progress Indicators

The student correctly categorizes sensitive and non-sensitive data.

Research Foundations

Simplified GDPR