Kid-friendly Guide to Artificial Intelligence with Scratch and Teachable Machine

Introduction: AI Can Be Fun & Easy to Learn!

What if kids could train a computer to recognize their hand gestures, identify objects, or even talk back to them? That’s exactly what they can do with Scratch and Teachable Machine!

🔹 Scratch is a beginner-friendly block-based coding platform that makes coding fun for kids.
🔹 Teachable Machine (by Google) allows kids to train AI models without any complex coding.

Together, these tools help kids understand AI concepts in a hands-on way—turning AI into something they can see, interact with, and control! 🚀

1. What is Scratch? 

Scratch is a block-based programming language designed for kids to create animations, games, and interactive projects without writing complicated code.

✅ Why It’s Great for AI Learning:

• Uses drag-and-drop blocks, making it easy for beginners.
• Supports AI extensions for speech, face recognition, and machine learning.
• Helps kids build interactive AI projects in a visual and engaging way.

📌 Example Project: Kids can create a Talking AI Cat 🐱 that listens to voice commands and responds!

2. What is a Teachable Machine? 

Teachable Machine is a Google-powered AI tool that lets kids train a machine to recognize images, sounds, and poses.

✅ Why It’s Great for Kids:

• No coding required—just upload images or sounds, and the AI learns!
• Trains AI models in minutes, not hours.
• Can be connected to Scratch to create AI-powered games and apps.

📌 Example Project: Kids can train AI to recognize hand signs (✋👍👎) and use them as game controls! 🎮

3. How Scratch & Teachable Machine Work Together

By combining Scratch and Teachable Machine, kids can create AI-powered projects that interact with real-world inputs.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process:

1️⃣ Train the AI Model in Teachable Machine (ex: recognizing happy vs. sad faces).
2️⃣ Export the Model and connect it to Scratch using AI extensions.
3️⃣ Use AI in Scratch Projects (ex: change a character’s mood based on the detected face!).

📌 Example Project:
🤖 “Mood Detector AI” – A Scratch project where an animated character reacts to a kid’s facial expressions in real-time!

4. AI Learning with Scratch & Teachable Machine in Codingal’s AI Genius Course

At Codingal, kids learn how to combine Scratch & Teachable Machine to build exciting AI-powered projects.

📌 Module: Introduction to AI with Scratch + Teachable Machine
✅ Lesson 1: AI at Your Fingertips – The Maze Adventure – Use AI to navigate a maze.
✅ Lesson 2: AI Object Hunt – Train AI to recognize objects around the house.
✅ Lesson 3: Real-Time DJ Using Hand Gestures – Control music with hand signs!
✅ Lesson 4: Sonic Sound Sprint – Use AI to recognize sounds and play a game.
✅ Lesson 5: AI Posture Detective – Build a fun app that detects if you’re sitting properly!
✅ Lesson 6: AI Grocery Scanner – Train AI to recognize grocery items from pictures.

📌 Why It’s Fun:

• Kids train their own AI models instead of just using existing AI.
• They see how AI understands patterns, learns, and makes decisions.
• It introduces AI in a simple, creative, and interactive way.

5. What Can Kids Build with AI? Fun Project Ideas!

🔹 AI-Powered Emoji Creator – AI detects a child’s face and displays a matching emoji.
🔹 Hand-Gesture Controlled Game – Play a game using hand signals instead of a keyboard!
🔹 AI Sound Classifier – Train AI to detect different sounds (claps, whistles, snapping fingers).
🔹 AI Pet Feeder – A fun project where AI detects when a pet is near and plays a feeding animation.

📌 These projects help kids understand AI in a fun, hands-on way—without complex math or programming!

6. Why Should Kids Learn AI with Scratch & Teachable Machine?

✅ Develop Problem-Solving Skills – AI encourages logical thinking and creativity.
✅ Understand Real-World AI Applications – AI is shaping the future in areas like voice assistants, self-driving cars, and smart devices.
✅ No Coding Experience Required – Scratch & Teachable Machine are perfect for beginners.
✅ It’s Fun! – Kids love creating AI projects they can actually interact with!

📌 Think of it like this: Instead of just using AI (like Siri or Alexa), kids create their own AI-powered apps and games!

7. Join Codingal’s AI Genius Course & Start Building AI Projects!

🚀 Want your child to learn AI-powered game development, chatbots, and interactive projects?

💡 In Codingal’s AI Genius Course, kids will learn:
✅ How to train AI models using Teachable Machine
✅ How to use Scratch to create interactive AI projects
✅ How AI recognizes objects, sounds, and gestures

🚀 Try a Free AI Lesson Today!

Join Codingal’s AI Genius program and start building your first AI-powered Scratch project today!