C Curriculum Explorer
Computing·Artificial Intelligence·conceptual

Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices

Sorting objects into 'smart' (can sense and respond) and 'not smart' (just sits there); a toaster vs a smart speaker; introduction to the idea that some machines can sense and respond to the world

Suggested ages 5–7

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Evidence of understanding

  • Sort a set of objects into 'smart' (responds to input) and 'not smart' (does the same thing every time)
  • Explain what makes a smart speaker different from a regular radio
  • Give an example of a machine that senses something and responds (automatic door, motion-sensor light)

Assessment prompt

Could Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices explain the difference between a normal light switch and one that turns on automatically when you walk into a room?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.