Earth Day and AI in the Washington School Library

A weeklong Earth Day exploration at Washington Primary School was both interesting and fun. Second grade students gained valuable insight into the global issue of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans and how technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), can be part of the solution.

In library class with teacher Rebecca Kraus, students read “Somebody Swallowed Stanley,” a picture book that follows the journey of Stanley, a plastic bag mistaken for food by various sea creatures. Fortunately, Stanley is eventually transformed into a colorful kite, no longer posing a threat to marine life. The story sparked thoughtful discussions about the harmful impact of pollution and inspired students to take steps towards reducing waste and recycling.

Technology integration further enhanced the lesson. Through Code.org’s AI for Oceans activity, students were introduced to how AI can be trained to support environmental efforts. They heard that AI uses machine learning to recognize patterns and make decisions without constant human guidance. “By training virtual bots to distinguish between ocean animals and trash, students observed how more data leads to more accurate and desired results,” Mrs. Kraus said. “This demonstrated real-world applications of AI in environmental cleanup.”

This experience combined literacy, environmental science and computer science to empower students as protectors of the planet. “By understanding both the problem and the tools that can help address it, our young learners are not only building awareness; they’re becoming part of the solution,” Mrs. Kraus said.