Advancing AI Literacy Lessons

How AI ‘Thinks’ – Spam Filters and Math Basics

Mathematics | 9-12
Duration: 60 minutes
Author: Sunaja Ajayan, Mathematics Teacher

In this lesson, students are introduced to the foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) through engaging multimedia and discussion. They explore how spam filters work as a real-world example of AI systems that rely on mathematical reasoning. Students learn how concepts like frequency, probability, and logic help AI make decisions and why errors can occur. Through Think-Pair-Share and guided reflection, students begin to connect math to technology and consider why understanding AI’s decision-making process matters for fairness and accuracy.

Lesson Plan Series

  1. How AI ‘Thinks’ – Spam Filters and Math Basics
  2. You Be the AI – Sorting Emails and Analyzing Patterns
  3. Can AI Be Fair? Ethics, Bias, and Building Trust

Lesson Objectives

  • Define and distinguish between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) using examples from real-world applications.
  • Explain how spam filters use mathematical concepts such as frequency and probability to classify emails.
  • Identify and describe key features that help AI systems make decisions and recognize potential sources of error.
  • Analyze why understanding AI’s decision-making process is important for fairness and accuracy.
  • Reflect on how math influences AI predictions and articulate why humans should question AI outputs.

Essential Questions

  • What is Artificial Intelligence, and how is it different from traditional computer programs?
  • How does Machine Learning allow AI systems to “learn” from data?
  • How do spam filters use math concepts like frequency and probability to make decisions?
  • Why might an AI system make mistakes, and what are the consequences?
  • Why is it important for humans to understand how AI makes decisions?

Digital Resources

Lesson Plan

Assessment Rubric

Instructional Considerations