The Unfair Filter

Me with (Smart) Objects

9-11 years

45 min

Learning goal :

Understanding what an "intelligent" machine is

Pedagogical Intention :

Understanding how an intelligent machine works: Model, algorithm, logic, statistical rules, and the role of data

Target skills :

Understanding the concepts of bias and fairness in AI.

Materials :

Photos of athletes (men/women), sorting box, or Google Teachable Machine

Detailed Procedure :

1. We train an AI to recognize "athletes" using only photos of men. 2. Present a photo of a female champion. 3. The AI rejects her (because it doesn't recognize the combined features of Woman + athlete). 4. Debate about human responsibility in the choice of training data.

Progress Indicators

The child identifies that the machine's "bias" comes from humans.

Research Foundations

Data ethics