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Lesson 2 of 8
  • Year 10
  • AQA

Machine learning

I can recognise the applications of machine learning and some common machine learning models.

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View unit
Lesson 2 of 8
New
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  • Year 10
  • AQA

Machine learning

I can recognise the applications of machine learning and some common machine learning models.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Machine learning (ML) is a form of artificial intelligence that allows systems to “learn” from data.
  2. Unlike traditional programming, where rules are manually written, ML models “learn” rules from the data itself.
  3. As new data is collected, ML models can be retrained to become more accurate and relevant over time.

Keywords

  • Machine learning - an approach used to design and build artificial intelligence (AI) systems that is said to “learn” by using examples in the form of data

  • Rule-based - a way of designing systems using a set of predefined rules

  • Data-driven - a way of designing systems using data instead of step-by-step instructions or rules

Common misconception

Machine learning is the same as artificial intelligence.

Machine learning is one of the techniques that people can use to build artificial intelligence system models. It is a subset of artificial intelligence.


To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Machine learning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

The difference between rule-based and data-driven applications is a fundamental concept that pupils should understand before moving on to the next concepts in this unit. If pupils need to, perhaps cover some more examples of rule-based and data-driven approaches.
Teacher tip

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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.
What do we call technology that enables machines to perform tasks that seem intelligent or human-like?

Correct Answer: artificial intelligence, AI

Q2.
Which of these is an example of a system that adjusts its recommendations based on your previous choices?

basic calculator
manual typewriter
analogue radio
Correct answer: streaming service suggesting new films

Q3.
What feature do chatbot applications and voice assistants have in common?

Both require physical buttons to work.
Both can only perform calculations.
Correct answer: Both are designed to interact with users.
Both are used to print documents.

Q4.
Match each term to its correct description:

Correct Answer:AI,systems that can perform tasks in ways that seem intelligent

systems that can perform tasks in ways that seem intelligent

Correct Answer:chatbot application,a system that interacts with users through text or speech

a system that interacts with users through text or speech

Correct Answer:fraud detection,software that identifies unusual or suspicious financial activity

software that identifies unusual or suspicious financial activity

Correct Answer:weather prediction,technology that forecasts future atmospheric conditions using data

technology that forecasts future atmospheric conditions using data

Q5.
What is the main benefit of using AI in recommendation systems?

reduces the need for electricity
requires manual programming for every suggestion
Correct answer: makes decisions based on user data
only works for one user at a time

Q6.
Which statement best describes an “application” in the context of AI?

a machine that makes noise
Correct answer: a tool used for a specific purpose
a type of hardware
a person who uses technology

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main difference between traditional programming and machine learning?

Traditional programming is faster.
Traditional programming uses machine learning models.
Correct answer: Machine learning writes its own rules from data.
Machine learning always uses physical robots.

Q2.
What term describes an approach where decisions are made using information collected from examples rather than fixed instructions?

Correct Answer: data-driven, data driven, data-driven system

Q3.
Match the example to the correct approach:

Correct Answer:machine learning,when computers use examples to learn and improve

when computers use examples to learn and improve

Correct Answer:rule-based,thermostat turning on heating at a set temperature

thermostat turning on heating at a set temperature

Correct Answer:data-driven,app recommending music based on listening history

app recommending music based on listening history

Correct Answer:simple programmed instruction,calculator adding numbers

calculator adding numbers

Q4.
Put these steps in order for how a machine learning model is improved:

1 - collect new data
2 - retrain the model
3 - test the model
4 - use the model to make predictions

Q5.
Which of these tasks is most suitable for machine learning?

sorting items by colour using a fixed chart
adding two numbers together
turning on a light when a button is pressed
Correct answer: identifying objects in photos by learning from thousands of images

Q6.
Which statement about artificial intelligence is correct?

AI systems can think and feel like humans.
AI systems have emotions and make decisions by themselves.
Correct answer: AI systems follow programmed rules or learn from data.
AI systems understand the world exactly as people do.