Artificial Intelligence
Beginner
60 mins
Teacher/Student led
+125 XP
What you need:
Chromebook/Laptop/PC or iPad/Tablet

Maze of Machines

In this exciting lesson, you will learn about machine learning and how it can solve a maze! You will create your own paper maze, and then learn how a machine learning algorithm could find its way out.
Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

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    1 - Introduction to Machine Learning

    Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence where computers can learn from experience. Imagine if you had a robot that could learn to solve a maze by trying different paths and remembering which ones lead to the exit. That's the concept we're going to explore today!



    2 - Design Your Maze

    First, we need a maze for our imaginary robot to solve. Use a piece of paper and a pencil to draw a simple maze. Make sure to include a clear start and end point. This will be the maze that we'll use to understand how a machine learning algorithm could solve it.



    3 - Imagine Your Robot

    Now, let's imagine how our robot could solve the maze. We will use a simple machine learning technique called 'trial and error'. The robot will try different paths, and if it hits a wall, it will go back and try a different path. It will remember the successful paths and use them to find the exit.

    For this step, you will need different color pens or pencils. Each color will represent a different attempt by the robot.

    Start with one color and draw the path that the robot might take. If it hits a wall, stop and switch to a different color for the next attempt.

    This way, you can clearly see each attempt the robot makes to solve the maze. Remember, it's okay if the robot doesn't find the exit right away, that's part of the learning process!


    4 - Think About Your Robot's Journey

    Now, it's time to think about your robot's adventure in the maze. Did your robot manage to find its way out? If yes, that's fantastic! You've done a great job! But if your robot got lost and couldn't find the exit, don't worry at all. Remember, learning for both us and machines is all about trying, making mistakes, and then getting better.

    Imagine what you could do differently to help your robot. Maybe you could make the maze less complicated? Or perhaps you could give your robot more instructions? Think about it and write down your ideas. Remember, every great inventor and scientist always looks for ways to improve their creations. And now, you're doing the same with your robot!

    5 - Think About What You've Learned

    Wow, you did it! You've just learned a cool thing called machine learning. Now, let's think about what you've learned. Can you think of other places where machine learning could be used? Maybe in video games, or to help cars drive by themselves? What other problems do you think machine learning could solve? Take a moment to think and write down your ideas.

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