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Year 9

AI and machine learning applications

I can justify the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve a problem.

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New
New
Year 9

AI and machine learning applications

I can justify the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve a problem.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Machines can be called artificially intelligent if they can "learn" from, and adapt to, new data.
  2. AI systems are data-driven and make predictions based on patterns in large amounts of existing data.
  3. AI systems can "learn" by adapting the way they find patterns.
  4. Data-driven systems are different from rule-based systems, which make decisions based on fixed rules provided by humans.
  5. Data-driven systems are useful for solving complex problems where rules are too difficult or time-consuming to write.

Keywords

  • Intelligent - the ability to "learn" and adapt to new situations

  • Rule-based - decisions follow fixed, predefined rules

  • Data-driven - decisions or predictions are based on patterns found in large amounts of data

Common misconception

All artificial intelligence systems use machine learning.

No, some AI systems, such as rule-based expert systems or symbolic AI, use predefined logic and heuristics rather than learning from data.


To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: AI and machine learning applications, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

The distinction between data-driven and rule-based is a key concept in this lesson. Ensure students fully understand this before moving through the activities.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pupils will need micro:bits for this lesson and access to a device that can access CreateAI online.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following best describes a computer program?
a physical device that processes information
Correct answer: a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task
a type of internet browser
Q2.
What is an algorithm?
a type of software
a type of hardware component
Correct answer: a step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem
a special kind of computer
Q3.
A program is written using a language, which a computer can understand.
Correct Answer: programming
Q4.
What is the main function of the LED display on the micro:bit?
to detect changes in light levels
Correct answer: to show output, such as numbers, letters or images
to capture user input, like button presses
to measure the temperature of the surroundings
Q5.
What is the purpose of the accelerometer on the micro:bit?
to detect magnetic north
to measure the temperature
Correct answer: to sense movement and gestures
to connect to the internet
Q6.
What is the purpose of the buttons on the micro:bit?
to measure the temperature
to detect movement
Correct answer: to capture user input and trigger actions in a program
to display information

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the key difference between a rule-based system and a data-driven system?
Rule-based systems are more advanced than data-driven systems.
Data-driven systems rely on fixed, predefined rules.
Correct answer: Data-driven systems make predictions based on patterns in data.
Data-driven systems do not use any data for decision-making.
Q2.
AI systems make based on patterns found in large amounts of data.
Correct Answer: predictions
Q3.
A traffic light system is an example of a system because it follows pre-programmed instructions.
data-driven
Correct answer: rule-based
Q4.
A handwriting recognition system that improves over time is an example of a system.
Correct answer: data-driven
rule-based
Q5.
How do AI systems "learn"?
Correct answer: They compare patterns in data and adapt based on feedback.
They memorise data without making comparisons.
They rely on human input for every decision.
Q6.
Which of the following is an example of a rule-based system?
a TV recommendation system that suggests shows based on viewing history
a handwriting recognition system that improves over time
a self-learning thermostat that adjusts temperature based on past preferences
Correct answer: a chatbot that always responds "Hi!" when you say "Hello"