Understanding AI: Past, Present, Future

Explore the Impact of AI on Jobs, Culture & the Future

Prepare students for an AI world with this free six-day unit plan that uses videos, interactive data, real-world examples and Google slides.

Developed in partnership with Marginal Revolution University, a nonprofit project housed at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

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HIGH SCHOOL UNIT
  • Easy-to-use
  • 6 lesson plans
  • Easy-to-use

Interactive Practice

 Students play engaging interactives with real-time feedback. 

Real-World Examples

Incorporates real-life examples of economic concepts. 

Teacher Friendly

Easy-to-understand lesson plans, Google Slides for teaching, activities for students, and answer keys provided.  

 ▲ Videos

Engaging videos introduce thought-provoking questions about AI. 

 ▲ Interactive Games

Learn about data trends and what they reveal about AI with storylines. 


▲ Engaging with AI

Students will interact with an early chatbot, ELIZA, and use LLMs to research case studies and even write a play on AGI. 

Understanding AI

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6-Day Unit Plan Overview

Day 1

Should We Be Scared of AI?

Featuring:

Video + AI Guide

We have feared technological advancements from bicycles, electricity, and even teddy bears! Should we fear AI as well?

Interactive Game

What has happened to unemployment and labor force participation rates over the last 80 years? 

Day 2-3

History of AI

Featuring:

Classroom Activity

Fact or fiction? Introduce students to real and fictional representations of AI since 1923 to show students the development of technology and understand cultural reactions to it.  

Engage with AI

Engage with AI: Students interact with ELIZA, a chatbot from the 1960s. 

Day 4

Winners and Losers from Past Automation

Featuring:

Video + AI Guide

Photography once shook the art world—but sparked a creative boom instead. Will AI do the same?

Interactive Game

Learn about manufacturing employment and output trends.

Day 5

What Is the Future of AI?

Featuring:

Video

Watch RepresentUs’ video “Don’t Let AI Steal Your Vote!” to help students see how realistic AI has become. 

Engage with AI

Write a play about AGI with an LLM. 

Interactive Game

What’s happened to the price of solar energy?  

Day 6

Future-Proof Yourself

Featuring:

Video + AI Guide

A true story of embracing innovation and rock ‘n’ roll!

Engage with AI

Choose from one of six case studies and interact with an LLM to learn about how an individual or a company transformed and adapted to survive in a changing world.

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Understanding AI

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