Code.org, in Partnership with Amazon, Launches New AI Curriculum for Grades 8-12

SEATTLE, Feb. 4, 2025 — Building on their decade-long partnership, Code.org and Amazon today launched Exploring Generative AI, a cutting-edge curriculum for grades 8-12 that teaches students how AI works, how to create with it, and the societal considerations and ethical implications of an AI-driven world.

With this curriculum, Code.org ushers in a new era of education to prepare students for the transformative impact of AI. As AI skills become increasingly relevant in the workforce, preparing the next generation with a strong foundational knowledge of responsible and ethical AI use will be a critical part of the classroom experience. By providing students with the opportunity to explore and create AI, Code.org aims to empower students with the skills needed to thrive in a digitally driven world.

Karim Meghji, chief product officer of Code.org, said: “Our mission at Code.org is to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn computer science and AI. This curriculum blends foundational knowledge, technical learning, and responsible creation and use of the technology preparing students to navigate an AI-driven world.”

Over the years, this collaboration has engaged millions of students globally through Hour of Code activities like Dance Party: AI Edition and Music Lab: Jam Session, as well as the launch of Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A curriculum. With inclusive, innovative initiatives like the Exploring Generative AI curriculum, Code.org and Amazon aim to empower young people to thrive in an evolving, tech-driven future while creating new career pathways for underrepresented groups in computer science and AI.

Exploring Generative AI is a continuation of Code.org’s long-standing educational partnership with Amazon to expand access to computer science education and was developed in response to the growing demand for AI education. According to survey data from TeachAI and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), 85% of CS teachers say that AI should be included in the foundational CS experience.

“As AI technologies continue to reshape the workforce, ensuring students are prepared for the careers of the future is crucial,” said Swami Sivasubramanian, vice president of AI and Data at Amazon Web Services. “Amazon’s partnership with Code.org to develop this innovative curriculum empowers the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.”

The Exploring Generative AI curriculum addresses two essential elements of AI literacy: how AI works and how to use AI. Students will engage in a variety of hands-on projects and activities throughout the curriculum, such as building chatbots, role-playing scenarios that address misinformation about AI, and exploring creative applications of AI allowing them to apply their knowledge and develop practical AI skills.

Key features of the curriculum allow students to:

• Construct artifacts to help demystify AI to people in their community.
• Design chatbots to address personally relevant issues or creative tasks.
• Collaboratively construct guidance for appropriate AI usage in a real-world context.
• Develop a chatbot using a user-centered design process to address an issue in the community.

“This unit gave my students a look under the hood at the mechanics of generative AI,” said Holly Emig, high school AP Computer Science teacher. “It’s no longer a mysterious, magic box of information. They now understand how data is parsed, processed, and how new information is generated. They can move forward and use generative AI as a tool to troubleshoot problems, enhance ideas, and potentially develop strategies to change their world for the better.

Shape the future of AI education and transform your classroom with Exploring Generative AI. Access comprehensive lesson plans, professional development resources, classroom materials, at code.org/curriculum/generative-ai.

About Code.org

Code.org is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. Our vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education. The leading provider of K-12 computer science curriculum in the largest school districts in the United States, Code.org also created the annual Hour of Code campaign, which has engaged more than 15% of all students in the world.

Source: Code.org