Resource type
Use type
Tools
Project name
Standards & Guidelines
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, students will explore the environmental impact of training AI models. Students will learn that the design of AI algorithms can have consequences for the environment.
Total Lesson Time: 30 min (50 minutes with optional activity)
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to . . .
- Explain how training AI contributes to global warming.
- Identify strategies for lessening the environmental impact of AI.
- Describe at least one way AI algorithms can be optimized to save some training time.
Vocabulary to be reviewed before the lesson: carbon dioxide, global warming,
Pacing:
- Opening (5 min)
- Introduction to the environmental impact of training AI (10 min)
- Optional - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint activity (20 min)
- Strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of training AI (10 min)
- Wrap-up + Exit Ticket (5 min)
Extension Activity: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint activity
Planning Guide
Preparation Needed: 15-20 min
Review resources in lesson plan as necessary for the teacher's background knowledge of issues.
Log in or register to view attachments and related links, and/or join the discussion. If you are already logged in, scroll to the bottom of this page for the links.
Teacher Modifications
One of the amazing things about this curriculum is how much teachers have been involved in modifying it make it more fun, engaging, and inclusive for their students.
Click on Teacher Modifications in the Navigation menu to see what teachers of made!
Activity Usage
Copyright held by MIT STEP Lab
License: CC-BY-NC under Creative Commons
These materials are licensed as CC-BY-NC 4.0 International under creative commons. (For more information visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). This license allows you to remix, tweak, and build upon these materials non-commercially as long as you include an acknowledgment to the creators. Derivative works should include acknowledgment but do not have to be licensed as CC-BY-NC. People interested in using this work for for-profit commercial purposes should reach out to Irene Lee at [email protected] for information as to how to proceed. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Attribution:
The original activity “Environmental Impact of AI” was a short slide deck developed by Daniella DiPaola and Safinah Ali for the MIT STEP Lab’s Developing AI Literacy (DAILy) curriculum. The new “Environmental Impact of AI” activity in the DAILy curriculum 2.0 was developed by Yihong Cheng, Beatriz Perret and Kate Moore.