Advancing AI Literacy Lessons

Designing Ethical AI Solutions for Environmental Challenges

Environmental Science | 9-12
Duration: 85 minutes
Author: Leslie Llamas, Science, Robotics, and CTE Teacher

In this lesson, students apply their newfound understanding of artificial intelligence and renewable energy systems to explore real-world environmental challenges. Working in collaborative teams, students will research ethical dilemmas such as energy equity, data privacy, and environmental trade-offs. They will analyze simplified datasets, evaluate the societal impacts of AI, and design responsible AI-driven solutions. The lesson culminates in visual presentations and a synthesis discussion that emphasizes fairness, sustainability, and innovation.

Lesson Plan Series

Lesson Objectives

Evaluate ethical, environmental, and societal dilemmas associated with AI in renewable energy systems.
Analyze simplified datasets to identify risks, biases, and optimization opportunities.
Design realistic AI-driven solutions that address sustainability and equity concerns.
Justify design choices using evidence from research and data.
Communicate their proposals clearly through visual presentations and collaborative discussion.

Essential Questions

What ethical dilemmas arise when using AI in environmental decision-making?
How can AI systems be designed to promote fairness, sustainability, and transparency?
What data is necessary to ensure responsible AI solutions—and what happens when data is missing or biased?
Who benefits from AI in renewable energy, and who might be excluded or harmed?
What trade-offs are we willing to accept when using AI to solve environmental problems?