K-12 AI Literacy Curriculum Framework

This document provides the comprehensive curriculum framework for AI literacy education across all grade levels in El Segundo USD. The framework establishes learning progressions, competency standards, assessment approaches, and integration strategies appropriate for each developmental stage.

Curriculum Design Principles

Foundation Principles

Principle	Description	Implementation
Developmentally Appropriate	Content matches cognitive and social development stages	Age-specific tools, examples, and complexity levels
Spiral Curriculum	Core concepts revisited with increasing depth	Ethics, bias, and safety threads throughout K-12
Hands-On Learning	Direct experience with AI tools prioritized	Minimum 60% hands-on time in all AI instruction
Real-World Relevance	Connections to student interests and career pathways	Local industry examples; Age-appropriate applications
Equity-Centered	Designed to close rather than widen gaps	Access provisions; Gender-inclusive examples; Cultural responsiveness

Alignment Standards

Standard Framework	Alignment Approach
ISTE Standards for Students	Direct mapping of AI competencies to digital citizenship and computational thinking standards
California Computer Science Standards	Integration with existing CS pathway requirements
Next Generation Science Standards	Connection to engineering design and systems thinking
Common Core ELA/Math	Integration of AI literacy into disciplinary instruction
Career Technical Education Standards	Alignment with workforce readiness competencies

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K-5: AI Literacy Foundations

Kindergarten through Grade 2: AI Awareness

Overarching Goal: Students understand that AI exists, recognize AI in their environment, and begin distinguishing human and machine capabilities.

Learning Objectives

Domain	Objective	Success Indicator
AI Recognition	Identify examples of AI in daily life	Name 5+ AI examples (voice assistants, recommendations, image filters)
Human vs Machine	Distinguish tasks suited for humans vs machines	Correctly categorize 8/10 task examples
Input/Output Concept	Understand that computers follow instructions	Explain that machines need instructions to work
Responsible Use	Demonstrate appropriate interaction with AI tools	Follow classroom AI use guidelines

Content Outline

Unit 1: What is a Robot? What is AI? (4 weeks)

• Differentiating physical robots from AI software
• Examples of AI helpers (Siri, Alexa, recommendation systems)
• Classroom demonstrations with age-appropriate AI tools
• Assessment: Draw and label an AI system they use

Unit 2: How Do Computers Learn? (4 weeks)

• Simplified introduction to training and patterns
• Sorting and categorizing activities (unplugged)
• "Teaching" a simple classifier through examples
• Assessment: Participate in human-as-computer role-play activity

Unit 3: Humans and Machines Working Together (4 weeks)

• Tasks machines do well vs tasks humans do well
• Introduction to AI limitations and errors
• Responsible use of AI assistance
• Assessment: Create a T-chart of human vs machine strengths

Suggested Activities

Activity	Duration	Materials	Learning Target
AI Scavenger Hunt	45 min	Picture cards	AI recognition
Train the Teacher	30 min	Sorting objects	Machine learning concept
Robot Dance Commands	30 min	Movement cards	Input/output understanding
AI Helpers Story Time	20 min	Picture books	AI in daily life
Human vs Machine Race	45 min	Task cards	Comparative strengths

Assessment Approach

• Observation checklists during activities
• Portfolio entries (drawings, dictated explanations)
• Participation in class discussions
• Simple sorting and matching assessments

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Grades 3-5: AI Literacy Basics

Overarching Goal: Students develop foundational understanding of how AI works, begin using creative AI tools, and recognize bias and fairness concerns.

Learning Objectives

Domain	Objective	Success Indicator
AI Mechanics	Explain how AI learns from data and examples	Describe training process in own words
Tool Proficiency	Use age-appropriate AI tools for creative projects	Complete 3+ AI-assisted creative projects
Bias Awareness	Recognize that AI can reflect human biases	Identify potential bias in 3+ AI scenarios
Data Understanding	Understand that AI needs data to function	Explain role of data in AI systems
Computational Thinking	Apply decomposition and pattern recognition	Solve problems using CT strategies

Content Outline

Unit 1: Inside the Machine - How AI Learns (6 weeks)

Week	Topic	Activities	Assessment
1-2	Data and Patterns	Pattern recognition games; Data collection project	Pattern identification quiz
3-4	Training AI	Teachable Machine exploration; Image classification	Train a simple classifier
5-6	AI Predictions	Prediction activities; Understanding confidence levels	Prediction accuracy journal

Unit 2: Creating with AI (6 weeks)

Week	Topic	Activities	Assessment
1-2	AI Art Tools	Exploration of age-appropriate image generators	AI art project with reflection
3-4	AI Writing Helpers	Story starters with AI assistance; Editing AI output	Collaborative story project
5-6	AI Music and Sound	Sound generation exploration; Music composition aids	Creative audio project

Unit 3: Fairness and AI (4 weeks)

Week	Topic	Activities	Assessment
1	What is Bias?	Bias introduction through everyday examples	Bias identification exercise
2	Bias in AI	Examining facial recognition and recommendation biases	Case study analysis
3	Fair AI Design	Discussing who makes AI and why representation matters	Design a fair AI activity
4	Being a Critical User	Questioning AI outputs; Verification strategies	Critical evaluation checklist

Unit 4: Computational Thinking with AI (4 weeks)

Week	Topic	Activities	Assessment
1	Decomposition	Breaking down problems for AI assistance	Problem breakdown challenge
2	Pattern Recognition	Finding patterns AI can learn	Pattern documentation project
3	Abstraction	Simplifying for AI understanding	Abstraction practice
4	Algorithms	Step-by-step AI instructions	Algorithm design activity

Portfolio Requirements (Grades 3-5)

Element	Quantity	Description
AI-Assisted Creative Projects	3 per year	Art, writing, or music projects using AI tools
Reflection Entries	1 per project	What the AI did; What I did; What I learned
Bias Analysis	1 per year	Written or visual analysis of AI bias example
Computational Thinking Documentation	2 per year	Evidence of CT strategies in problem-solving

Assessment Rubric: AI-Assisted Creative Project (Grades 3-5)

Criterion	Beginning (1)	Developing (2)	Proficient (3)	Advanced (4)
AI Tool Use	Minimal or incorrect tool use	Basic tool use with support	Independent and appropriate tool use	Creative and sophisticated tool application
Human Contribution	AI did all work	Some human input visible	Clear human direction and editing	Significant human creativity enhanced by AI
Reflection Quality	No reflection	Surface-level reflection	Thoughtful analysis of AI role	Deep insight into human-AI collaboration
Originality	Copied AI output	Minor modifications	Personal expression evident	Highly original human-AI creation

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6-8: AI Tool Proficiency and Ethics

Middle School AI Curriculum

Overarching Goal: Students develop proficiency with AI tools across disciplines, engage deeply with ethical considerations, and understand AI's societal impact.

Learning Objectives

Domain	Objective	Success Indicator
Tool Proficiency	Effectively use AI tools for academic work across subjects	Complete discipline-specific AI projects in 4+ subjects
Ethical Reasoning	Analyze ethical implications of AI systems	Write persuasive argument on AI ethics issue
Bias Deep Dive	Investigate sources of AI bias and propose mitigations	Complete bias investigation project
Career Awareness	Understand AI's role in various career fields	Research and present on AI in a career area
Digital Citizenship	Practice responsible AI use and help others do the same	Demonstrate and teach responsible use practices

Grade 6: AI Tools Across Subjects

Semester 1: AI for Learning

Unit	Duration	Content	Projects
AI Research Assistant	4 weeks	Using AI for research; Verification; Citation	Research project with AI assistance documented
AI Writing Partner	4 weeks	Brainstorming; Drafting; Revision with AI	Essay with AI collaboration transparency
AI in Math and Science	4 weeks	Problem-solving assistance; Data analysis	STEM project with AI component
AI for Creativity	4 weeks	Visual arts; Music; Creative writing with AI	Creative portfolio piece

Semester 2: AI and Society

Unit	Duration	Content	Projects
AI in Our Community	4 weeks	Local AI applications; Community impact	Community AI mapping project
Privacy and AI	4 weeks	Data collection; Personal information; Privacy rights	Privacy audit of AI services used
AI and Fairness	4 weeks	Algorithmic fairness; Discrimination; Access equity	Fairness case study presentation
Future of AI	4 weeks	AI trends; Career implications; Preparing for change	Future scenarios creative project

Grade 7: AI Ethics Deep Dive

Semester 1: Ethical Frameworks

Unit	Duration	Content	Projects
Ethics Introduction	3 weeks	Ethical frameworks; Decision-making models	Ethics framework application exercise
AI Decision-Making	4 weeks	How AI makes decisions; Transparency; Explainability	"Explain This AI" investigation
Bias Investigation	5 weeks	Sources of bias; Measurement; Mitigation strategies	Original bias investigation research
Accountability	4 weeks	Who is responsible when AI fails?; Legal and social frameworks	Mock trial or debate on AI accountability

Semester 2: AI and Identity

Unit	Duration	Content	Projects
AI and Self-Image	4 weeks	Filters; Deepfakes; AI beauty standards	Media literacy project
AI and Relationships	4 weeks	AI companions; Social media algorithms; Human connection	Reflective essay and discussion
AI and Culture	4 weeks	AI representation; Cultural bias; Global perspectives	Cultural AI analysis
My AI Principles	4 weeks	Personal values; Technology boundaries; Future self	Personal AI ethics statement

Grade 8: AI and Career Readiness

Semester 1: AI in Professional Fields

Unit	Duration	Content	Projects
AI in Healthcare	3 weeks	Diagnosis; Treatment; Medical research	Healthcare AI case study
AI in Business	3 weeks	Automation; Customer service; Marketing	Business AI application analysis
AI in Creative Fields	3 weeks	Art; Music; Writing; Design	Creative industry interview project
AI in Science and Engineering	3 weeks	Research; Design; Discovery	STEM career exploration
AI in Public Service	4 weeks	Government; Education; Non-profits	Public sector AI proposal

Semester 2: Building AI-Ready Skills

Unit	Duration	Content	Projects
Skills That Matter	4 weeks	Human skills in AI age; Critical thinking; Creativity; Collaboration	Skills self-assessment and development plan
Working with AI	4 weeks	Prompt engineering; AI management; Quality control	AI workflow project
Presenting with AI	4 weeks	AI-enhanced presentations; Data visualization; Storytelling	Capstone presentation
Transition to High School	4 weeks	Portfolio preparation; Studio team introduction; Goal setting	Portfolio showcase; High school planning

Middle School Portfolio Requirements

Element	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
Discipline-Specific AI Projects	4	4	5
Ethics Analysis Papers	1	2	2
Bias Investigation	-	1 (major)	1 (extension)
Career Exploration	1	1	2
Reflection Essays	4	4	4
Peer Teaching/Collaboration	1	2	2

Assessment Rubric: AI Ethics Analysis (Middle School)

Criterion	Beginning (1)	Developing (2)	Proficient (3)	Advanced (4)
Issue Identification	Vague or incorrect issue statement	Basic issue identification	Clear, specific issue articulation	Nuanced understanding of complexity
Stakeholder Analysis	Missing or incomplete	Some stakeholders identified	Multiple perspectives considered	Comprehensive stakeholder mapping
Ethical Reasoning	No framework applied	Attempts to apply ethical thinking	Clear application of ethical framework	Sophisticated multi-framework analysis
Evidence Use	No evidence	Some evidence, poorly integrated	Relevant evidence supports claims	Strong evidence effectively synthesized
Proposed Action	No recommendation	Vague recommendation	Practical, justified recommendation	Innovative, well-reasoned proposal

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9-12: AI-Augmented Disciplinary Work

High School AI Integration

Overarching Goal: Students integrate AI tools into advanced disciplinary work, build comprehensive portfolios demonstrating AI-augmented capability, and prepare for AI-transformed careers.

Learning Objectives

Domain	Objective	Success Indicator
Disciplinary Integration	Apply AI tools to enhance work in chosen fields	Portfolio demonstrates AI integration across subjects
Advanced Tool Proficiency	Master advanced AI tools relevant to career interests	Complete complex projects using professional-grade tools
Portfolio Development	Build employer-ready portfolio demonstrating capability	Portfolio passes employer review (7/10 minimum)
AI Management	Direct AI tools effectively; Evaluate and improve AI outputs	Document AI workflow optimization
Professional Readiness	Demonstrate skills valued by employers	Positive employer feedback; Internship/project success

Course Integration Model

Required Integration (All Subjects):

Subject Area	AI Integration Requirements	Example Applications
English/Language Arts	AI-assisted research, drafting, revision; AI writing analysis	Research papers with AI collaboration; AI literature analysis
Mathematics	AI problem-solving assistance; Data analysis with AI	Statistical analysis projects; AI-assisted modeling
Science	AI in research design; Data processing; Literature review	Research projects; Lab data analysis; Review synthesis
Social Studies	AI research tools; Bias analysis in historical AI	Historical AI impact analysis; Policy research
World Languages	AI translation analysis; Language learning with AI	Translation comparison projects; AI conversation practice
Arts	AI creative tools; Critical analysis of AI art	AI-assisted compositions; AI art critique
CTE Pathways	Industry-specific AI tools; Workflow integration	Pathway-specific professional projects

AI-Specific Courses (Elective):

Course	Grade Level	Content
Introduction to AI	9-10	Foundations; Ethics; Hands-on exploration
AI Applications	10-11	Advanced tools; Project-based learning
AI and Society	11-12	Policy; Ethics; Societal impact analysis
AI Studio	9-12	Project-based; Team collaboration; Portfolio building

AI Studio Teams Curriculum

Team Structure Recap:

• 8-12 students per team (grades 9-12)
• Cross-grade mentorship (12th mentors 10th; 11th mentors 9th)
• Weekly 90-minute sessions
• Teacher mentor assigned

Semester 1: Foundation Projects

Week	Focus	Activities	Deliverables
1-2	Team Formation	Introductions; Role assignment; Goal setting	Team charter
3-4	Tool Exploration	Survey of AI tools; Individual experimentation	Tool proficiency log
5-8	Mini-Project 1	Defined scope project; Full cycle completion	Completed mini-project
9-12	Mini-Project 2	Student-proposed project; Peer feedback	Completed mini-project
13-16	Portfolio Development	Documentation; Reflection; Presentation prep	Updated portfolio
17-18	Showcase	Classroom and school exhibition	Public presentation

Semester 2: Advanced Projects

Week	Focus	Activities	Deliverables
1-2	Project Planning	Client/problem identification; Scope definition	Project proposal
3-10	Major Project	Extended development cycle; Regular check-ins	Project milestones
11-14	Refinement	Testing; Iteration; Polish	Refined deliverable
15-16	Documentation	Portfolio integration; Process documentation	Complete portfolio entry
17-18	Exhibition	Community showcase; Employer pitch day	Public presentation; Employer feedback

Project Categories:

Category	Description	Example Projects
Community Service	AI solutions for local organizations	Non-profit efficiency tools; Community resource apps
Business Solutions	Real client projects with local businesses	Marketing analysis; Customer service optimization
Creative Production	AI-enhanced creative works	Documentary; Art installation; Music composition
Research	Original investigation with AI methodology	Local issue analysis; Data journalism
Educational	Teaching others about AI	Curriculum for younger students; Community workshops

Portfolio Assessment Rubrics

Comprehensive Portfolio Rubric (High School)

Dimension	Emerging (1)	Developing (2)	Proficient (3)	Exemplary (4)	Weight
AI Tool Mastery	Basic tool use only	Competent with standard tools	Advanced tool application	Innovative, sophisticated tool use	20%
Human-AI Collaboration	AI does most work	Balanced but unclear roles	Clear human direction with AI support	Synergistic human-AI partnership	20%
Project Quality	Incomplete or low quality	Functional but basic	Polished, professional quality	Exceptional, portfolio-worthy	20%
Reflection Depth	Surface-level or missing	Some insight into process	Thoughtful analysis of learning	Deep metacognitive understanding	15%
Ethical Awareness	No ethical consideration	Mentions ethics superficially	Applies ethical reasoning	Integrates ethics throughout	15%
Presentation	Unclear or unprofessional	Basic clarity	Clear, professional communication	Compelling, memorable presentation	10%

Employer Review Criteria:

Criterion	Question	Scale
Skill Demonstration	Does this portfolio demonstrate relevant skills for entry-level positions?	1-10
Problem-Solving	Does the work show effective problem-solving approach?	1-10
AI Integration	Is AI used appropriately and effectively?	1-10
Communication	Are projects and reflections clearly communicated?	1-10
Professionalism	Does the portfolio meet professional standards?	1-10
Hiring Potential	Would you consider this student for an internship or entry position?	Yes/No/Maybe

Target Score: Average 7/10 across criteria; 70%+ "Yes" or "Maybe" on hiring potential

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Ethics and Safety Curriculum Thread

K-12 Ethics Progression

Ethics education is woven throughout all grade levels with increasing sophistication.

Grade Band	Ethics Focus	Key Concepts	Assessment
K-2	Kindness and AI	Being kind to AI (and recognizing AI isn't human); Asking for help appropriately	Discussion participation
3-5	Fairness and AI	Bias introduction; Fair treatment; Representation	Bias identification exercises
6-8	AI Ethics Deep Dive	Ethical frameworks; Accountability; Privacy; Societal impact	Ethics analysis papers
9-12	Professional AI Ethics	Industry ethics; Policy; Personal responsibility; Future implications	Ethics statements; Case analyses

Safety Curriculum Components

Digital Safety with AI:

Topic	K-2	3-5	6-8	9-12
Personal Information	Don't tell AI your name/address	Understand data collection	Privacy policies; Data rights	Data security; Professional privacy
Verification	Ask an adult if unsure	Check AI answers	Multiple source verification	Research methodology
Appropriate Content	Tell adult if uncomfortable	Report inappropriate content	Content moderation understanding	Platform responsibility
AI Limitations	AI makes mistakes	AI can be wrong or biased	Critical evaluation skills	Professional verification standards

Academic Integrity Framework:

Level	Guidelines
Elementary	AI is a helper, not a replacer; Always tell your teacher when AI helped
Middle School	Document AI assistance; Original thinking required; Verification responsibility
High School	Professional attribution standards; AI collaboration transparency; Originality requirements

AI Safety Checklist (Student Reference):

• I protect my personal information when using AI
• I verify important information from AI with other sources
• I tell teachers/adults when AI helps with my work
• I report inappropriate content or behavior from AI
• I understand AI can make mistakes and reflect biases
• I use AI as a tool, not a replacement for my own thinking
• I treat AI interactions appropriately (it is not human)
• I consider how AI might affect others before using it

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Implementation Support

Teacher Resources by Grade Band

Grade Band	Lesson Plans	Tool Guides	Assessment Templates	Parent Communications
K-2	30+ activities	5 approved tools	Observation checklists	Monthly newsletters
3-5	40+ activities	10 approved tools	Rubrics; Portfolio templates	Quarterly updates
6-8	60+ activities	15 approved tools	Full rubric set; Self-assessments	Unit introductions
9-12	80+ activities	20+ approved tools	Professional rubrics; Employer forms	Pathway guides

Approved AI Tools by Age

Tool Category	K-2	3-5	6-8	9-12
Image Generation	DrawingBot Junior	DALL-E (curated)	DALL-E; Midjourney (supervised)	Full access (professional tools)
Text Generation	Story starters only	ChatGPT (filtered)	ChatGPT; Claude (monitored)	Full access (professional tools)
Code Generation	Block-based only	Scratch AI	GitHub Copilot (supervised)	Full access
Research	Kid-safe search only	AI search (filtered)	Perplexity; ChatGPT (monitored)	Full access
Creative	Music makers; Art apps	Expanded creative suite	Professional creative tools	Industry-standard tools

Differentiation Strategies

Student Need	Modification Approach
English Learners	AI translation support; Multilingual tool options; Extended processing time
Students with Disabilities	Accessibility features; Alternative input methods; Individualized tool selection
Advanced Learners	Extended projects; Mentorship roles; Advanced tool access
Struggling Learners	Scaffolded tool use; Additional practice; Peer support pairing
Economically Disadvantaged	Device lending; Extended access hours; Community partnerships

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Curriculum Governance

Review and Update Cycle

Review Type	Frequency	Participants	Focus
Tool Evaluation	Quarterly	Tech team; Teachers; Students	New tools; Safety; Effectiveness
Content Review	Annually	Curriculum team; Subject experts	Accuracy; Relevance; Alignment
Ethics Update	Bi-annually	Ethics committee; Community	Emerging issues; Policy alignment
Full Curriculum Review	Every 3 years	All stakeholders	Comprehensive revision

Feedback Integration

Source	Collection Method	Integration Process
Teacher Feedback	Monthly surveys; PLC discussions	Quarterly adjustments
Student Feedback	End-of-unit surveys; Focus groups	Semester adjustments
Parent Feedback	Annual surveys; Advisory meetings	Annual review input
Employer Feedback	Portfolio reviews; Advisory board	Annual curriculum alignment

Version Control

Version	Date	Major Changes
1.0	[Initial]	Baseline curriculum framework
1.1	[+6 months]	Adjustments based on pilot feedback
2.0	[+1 year]	Full revision incorporating Year 1 learnings

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Related Documents:

• Scope of Work - Implementation timeline and deliverables
• Evaluation Plan - Assessment of curriculum effectiveness
• Partnership Overview - Curriculum development responsibilities