AI Explorers: Practical support to introduce AI to younger pupils

We’re excited to let you know about Barefoot AI Explorers, classroom‑ready resources designed in collaboration with Ciena to help children aged 5 to 11 develop a clear, age‑appropriate understanding of artificial intelligence.

Barefoot AI Explorers contains two sequenced units of learning that support pupils to explore what AI is, how it works, and how it is used in the world around them. The activities are practical, discussion‑led and linked across the curriculum, helping children build a strong foundation without requiring specialist technical knowledge from teachers.

Barefoot AI Explorers helps children become curious, critical and confident learners, ready to engage thoughtfully with the technologies shaping their futures.

What pupils will learn:

How computers can be trained to complete tasks

How feedback helps improve computer performance

How computers are trained with data

How AI can create images and text – and how this differs from human creativity

How to recognise misinformation and disinformation created using AI

Two levels, designed for your classroom

Level 1

Level 1 (ages 5–7) introduces pupils to simple ideas such as training a computer, giving feedback, exploring AI-generated images, and collecting data to answer questions. Through engaging activities and discussions, pupils begin to understand how AI works and how it is used in everyday life.

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Level 2

Level 2 (ages 7–11) looks at how technology has changed over time, what data is needed to train AI models, how AI generates text differently from a human writer, and how AI tools can be used within simple programs to solve problems. Pupils will also learn about misinformation and disinformation linked to AI.

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Join our AI Explorers Live Lesson on 4th June for AI Awareness Day

Experience a taste of AI Explorers by joining one of our Live Lessons on AI Awareness Day. Join other schools from across the country as our Primary Subject Lead (and creator of AI Explorers), Ben Davies, brings AI Explorers to life. These interactive sessions will enhance your pupils' learning and inspire curiosity with engaging activities, expert guidance, and practical examples.

Find out more here

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is when a computer uses the information it has been given to make decisions and solve problems – a bit like how people do. From smart speakers to search engines, AI is already part of children’s everyday lives.

Pupils are already exploring how technology can be programmed to carry out tasks and how computers can make predictions or suggestions based on data. By learning about AI in the classroom, children can begin to understand how this powerful technology works and how it can affect them and the world around them.

Why Teach AI?

Helping learners to recognise AI and understand how it works supports them to become informed, critical thinkers. It encourages them to ask questions about the systems they use and to consider the benefits and risks of relying on AI.

• Through engaging, age-appropriate activities, Barefoot supports learners to:

• Recognise AI in the world around them

• Understand how computers can be trained to 'learn'

• Explore how decisions made by AI systems can affect people

• Reflect on how we can use AI safely, responsibly and fairly

Looking to go further with AI?

For more support and inspiration around teaching AI, explore the AI in Schools and Colleges hub from Computing at School. It’s packed with practical ideas, classroom resources and CPD opportunities for all phases of education.

Click here to read more

AI Tools to Enhance Teaching and Learning in Primary Classrooms

This CAS resource introduces a range of AI tools—including a host of AI models —and demonstrates how they can be used to generate lesson ideas, support differentiation, and enhance creativity in primary setting.

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Discover AI Adventure

AI Adventure: Explore, Create, Innovate is a flexible, creative project for primary classrooms. It helps learners build curiosity and confidence as they explore what AI is and how they can use it to solve real-world problems.

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