1:1 AI for Coding (6th-8th Graders)

Introduce students to using AI, specifically ChatGPT, for coding projects while learning foundational concepts of one chosen language: JavaScript, Java, or Python.

Modules:

1.⁠ ⁠Introduction to AI & ChatGPT – Interactive Q&A Session

    – AI Exploration: Students interact with ChatGPT, asking it to explain coding concepts in simple terms and to generate basic code tasks, like “Hello World” in their chosen language.

    – Tech Demo: Demonstrate how ChatGPT can assist by generating small code snippets and debugging code, helping students decide which language (JavaScript, Java, or Python) they feel most comfortable with.

2.⁠ ⁠Learning Basics of the Chosen Language (JavaScript, Java, or Python)

    – Interactive Code Walkthrough:

        – JavaScript Option: Students build a simple webpage (HTML + JavaScript) where a button changes text.

        – Python Option: Students create a basic input/output program.

        – Java Option: Students create a basic console-based input/output program.

    – Each student selects one language to focus on for the remainder of the course.

3.⁠ ⁠Building Simple AI-Assisted Projects

    – Project 1 (Calculator): Using the chosen language:

        – Python: Create a console-based calculator.

        – JavaScript: Build a web-based calculator.

        – Java: Create a console-based calculator.

        – Students use ChatGPT for help in debugging and optimizing their code.

    – Task: Encourage students to add a unique feature to the project, such as a history log of calculations, to make it their own.

4.⁠ ⁠Interactive Debugging – Using AI to Fix Bugs

    – Debugging : Students are given buggy code in their chosen language and must use ChatGPT to assist in fixing the errors.

    – Explain & Reflect: After debugging, students explain how ChatGPT helped and discuss where they think AI could be even more helpful.

5.⁠ ⁠Project Showcase & Personal Projects

    – Personalized Projects: Students brainstorm ideas for a project with ChatGPT’s assistance. Ideas may include a simple guessing game in Python, a small interactive webpage in JavaScript, or a console-based program in Java.

    – Showcase: Each student presents their project, explaining how they used ChatGPT to overcome challenges and improve their code. 

This approach allows students to specialize in one language, gaining foundational skills while leveraging AI as a supportive tool in coding projects.