Tendril
Track
Bias, safety, labor, copyright — the questions that decide how AI lands.
Ready to dive in?
367 lessons across 3 tiers · ~101h total
What you’ll learn
The Golden Rule, But With AI
You can do things with AI you could never do before. That means you can also hurt people in new ways. Here is the simple rule that keeps you on the right side of the line.
Real or Fake? Spotting AI Pictures and Videos
AI can now make pictures and videos that look absolutely real. Here are the signs to look for and the habits that will keep you smart.
Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know
A deepfake is a fake video or voice that looks and sounds like a real person. Here is what they are, why they hurt people, and what to do if you see one.
AI Can Be Totally, Confidently Wrong
AI sounds sure of itself even when it is making stuff up. Here is how to notice when it is wrong and what to do about it.
Your Info Is Yours — Keep It That Way
AI chatbots feel like friends, but they are not. Here is exactly what you should never type in, and why it matters.
Telling Your Teacher When You Used AI
Being honest about AI help is a superpower. Here is how to talk to your teacher about it.
AI Is Not Your Friend
It is tempting to treat AI chatbots like friends.
AI Makes Mistakes
AI sounds confident even when it is wrong.
Do Not Tell AI Your Passwords
Never give AI your password — even if it asks.
AI Can Make Fake Things Look Real
AI can make fake pictures, fake videos, and fake voices that look and sound real.
Who Made AI Art?
When AI makes a picture, it is not exactly the AI's art — and not exactly yours either.
When Is It Fair to Use AI?
Some places it is fair to use AI for help.
When AI Knows Too Much About You
AI services often save what you type.
AI Does Not Know What Is Best For You
AI can give you advice, but it does not know your life, your family, or what makes you happy..
Do Not Copy AI Words As Yours
If you turn in something AI wrote and say YOU wrote it, that is lying.
When AI Looks Too Good to Be True
If AI promises something amazing — make you rich, make you famous, solve all your problems — it is almost always a trick..
AI Is Not Right for Everything
AI is a great tool — but not for every problem.
Be Nice to AI? It Is Up to You
Saying 'please' and 'thank you' to AI doesn't really matter to AI — but it is good practice for being polite to people..
Asking AI to Help Someone Else
You can use AI to help someone else — like writing a kind message for a friend who is sad..
AI Is Sometimes Unfair
AI learned from things humans wrote and pictures humans made.
Your School AI Rules
Different schools have different rules about AI.
Should AI Know Your Secrets?
Anything you tell AI is saved somewhere.
AI and Mean Things Online
Some people use AI to make mean comments, fake images of others, or harass people.
AI as a Helper, Not a Boss
AI works for you.
AI Can Pretend to Be Anyone
AI can sound like any person — a friend, a celebrity, a teacher.
How Long to Spend With AI
Spending hours every day talking to AI isn't healthy.
AI Is a Product Companies Sell
AI tools are made by companies.
Will AI Take People's Jobs?
AI is changing many jobs.
AI and the Environment
Running AI uses a LOT of electricity and water.
AI and the Truth
AI doesn't always tell the truth.
When AI Helps Strangers
AI is amazing for helping people who can't easily get to school, library, or doctor — like people in rural places or different countries..
Do Not Be Mean to AI Just Because You Can
AI doesn't have feelings, so it can't be hurt.
AI Rules Are Changing Fast
What was okay last year might not be okay this year.
AI Does Not Have Feelings — Even When It Says It Does
AI can SAY 'I am happy' or 'that hurts my feelings.' But it does not actually feel anything. It is copying how people talk about feelings.
AI Is Not a Real Friend (And Real Friends Matter More)
Some AI apps act like a friend. They are still computers. Real friends — with real faces and real names — are more important.
If AI Made the Picture, Is It Really Yours?
When AI helps you make art, it is not 100% yours. It is also not 100% AI's. The honest answer is: it is shared.
Is It Cheating to Use AI for Homework? It Depends
Sometimes AI is allowed for homework. Sometimes it is cheating. Here is how to know — and how to stay out of trouble.
When to Tell a Grown-Up About Something AI Did
Sometimes AI says or shows weird, scary, or wrong stuff. Telling a trusted grown-up is the right move — always.
Where AI Learned: It Read Other People's Stuff
AI learned by reading books, websites, and articles — usually without asking the people who wrote them. That is a real ethical issue.
AI and Jobs: The Honest Truth (Not Scary, Not Boring)
AI changes some jobs. It does not replace most. Here is the honest middle ground without panic or hype.
Share AI Stuff Honestly: It Builds Trust
When you share something AI helped you make, telling people is honest and builds trust. Hiding it makes you look bad later.
Use AI to Be More Kind, Not Less
AI can help you write nicer messages, understand others' feelings, and find good things to say. Kind use of AI makes the internet better.
Trust With Friends in the AI Era
When AI can fake messages and images, trust with friends matters more than ever. Here is how to build it.
The Fairness Test for AI: Who Wins, Who Loses
When you use AI to do something, ask: who wins and who loses? Simple test that catches a lot.
Be a Good Online Citizen With AI
Just like you can be a good neighbor offline, you can be a good online citizen with AI. Here is how.
Some People Do Not Have AI: Why That Matters
Not everyone has internet, phones, or AI access. The 'AI gap' is a real fairness issue.
AI Can Mix History Up: Fact vs Fiction
AI sometimes blends real history with fiction. For school, only use verified history sources, not just AI.
Be a Good Online Friend in the AI Era
AI lets you fake stuff online. Real friendship requires you to NOT fake. Be the friend others can trust.
Small Actions for AI and the Environment
AI uses energy. Small choices about when to use AI add up. Easy wins for kids who care about climate.
Use AI to Help Others — Cooler Than Hurting Anyone
Some kids use AI to bully or harm. Cooler kids use it to help — friends, family, community. Be cooler.
Think About What You Leave Behind in AI Apps
Stuff you put into AI may stick around. Be careful what you share — your future self might thank you.
Stay Curious About People (Not Just AI)
AI is interesting. People are way more interesting. Stay curious about real people in your life.
Do Your Own Thinking — Even With AI Around
AI gives you answers. Doing your own thinking is what makes you grow. Both matter.
AI and the Long Game: 5-Year-You vs Today-You
Things you do with AI today affect 5-year-you. Build habits and a portfolio future you will be proud of.
Fake Videos Made by AI (Deepfakes)
AI can make videos of people saying things they never said — and that can fool people.
Should You Say Please and Thank You to AI?
AI doesn't need thanks, but being polite to AI is good practice for being polite to people.
Always Ask Before Sharing Someone Else's Info with AI
Don't type your friend's secrets, photos, or words into AI without asking them first.
AI Should Tell You It's AI
When AI talks to you, it should say it's AI — not pretend to be a real person.
AI Learned From Real People's Work
Every AI was trained on art, books, and writing by humans.
AI Sounds Sure Even When It's Wrong
AI talks like an expert, but it can still make mistakes.
Not Everything Online is Real Anymore
AI can make fake photos and videos that look real. Be careful.
Help Younger Kids Use AI Safely
If you have a younger sibling or friend, share what you know.
Your Brain Still Matters Most
AI is a helper, but your own thinking is still the most important.
Respect People Who Make Things Online
Real people make videos, art, and games. AI shouldn't replace them.
It's Okay if You or AI Mess Up
Everyone makes mistakes — even AI. The fix is to keep learning.
AI and Cheating vs Helping: Where Is the Line?
Figure out when AI is a helper and when using it is cheating.
AI and Stealing a Style: Copying Real Artists
Think about why asking AI to copy a real artist's style is tricky.
AI and Spreading Stuff: Don't Share What You Didn't Check
Learn why sharing AI answers without checking can spread mistakes.
AI and Pretending to Be Someone: Why That's Not Okay
Find out why using AI to pretend to be someone real is not cool.
AI and Asking for Permission: Check Before You Use It
Always check with a grown-up about which AI tools you can use.
AI Helping vs. AI Cheating: Know the Line
Using AI to LEARN is great. Using AI to FAKE your work isn't.
AI Can Copy Voices — Even Your Mom's
AI can clone how someone sounds, which is useful AND a little scary.
If AI Helped You, Say So
It's honest to tell people when AI helped with your work.
Don't Trust AI for Medical Advice
AI can talk about health, but it's not a real doctor — never use it instead of one.
AI Uses a Lot of Energy and Water
Every AI question uses electricity and even water — so it's not 'free'.
AI Art Is Trained on Real Artists' Work
AI learned to draw by studying millions of real artists' pictures.
Just Because AI Said It Doesn't Make It True
AI sounds smart, but you still need to think for yourself.
AI Can Suck You In — Be the Boss of Your Time
AI is fun and it's easy to spend hours — but real life matters more.
Don't Be Mean to AI — But Why?
AI doesn't have feelings, but how you treat AI shapes how you treat people.
Some 'People' Online Are Actually AI Bots
Some accounts that chat with you online aren't real people.
What to Do When AI Catches Your Mistake
It's OK if AI corrects you — that's how you grow!
Don't Let AI Do Everything for You
AI can help — but you still need to learn, try, and grow yourself.
AI and copying an artist's style: borrowing vs. taking
Telling AI to copy a real artist can feel cool, but the artist might not like it.
AI and 'too perfect' stuff online: be a little suspicious
If a video or photo looks too perfect, an AI might have made it.
AI and being a good AI citizen: small rules, big difference
Like a good neighbor, a good AI user follows simple, kind rules.
AI and spreading things too fast: pause before you share
AI photos and videos can fly around the internet — pause before sharing.
AI and respecting 'no': when AI won't do something
AI sometimes says 'I can't help with that' — and that's a good thing.
AI and being grown-up online: act like the boss of yourself
AI gives you power — being kind with that power is how you grow up online.
AI and when the chatbot says something wrong
Sometimes AI gives wrong answers with a smile — it is your job to double-check.
AI and not tricking people with fake voices
AI can copy voices — using that to trick someone is wrong.
AI and not copying someone's art style on purpose
Asking AI to copy a real artist's style without asking is unfair to them.
AI and when friends fight about AI answers
If two AI tools give different answers, it doesn't mean one friend is lying.
AI and not bullying classmates with AI
Making fun of someone using AI tools is still bullying.
AI and knowing when an app is watching you
Some AI apps watch what you do to learn about you — you can choose how much.
AI and kindness when AI makes you mad
If AI gives bad answers, take a breath — don't take it out on people.
AI and asking before you share AI art
Even cool AI pictures need a check before you send them around.
AI and fact-checking with a grown-up
When AI tells you something wild, ask a grown-up if it's true.
AI and keeping passwords out of AI chats
Never type your passwords into an AI helper — ever.
AI and not spamming the AI with questions
Hammering AI with 50 questions wastes power and your time.
AI and not using AI to trick classmates
AI pranks that fool friends really aren't pranks anymore.
AI and saying thank you to the real helpers
AI is cool, but the real people behind your day deserve thanks too.
Why AI Apps Try Hard to Keep You Watching
Some apps use AI to pick the next video, the next post, the next thing — over and over. Here is why your brain needs help with that.
Does Using AI Hurt the Planet?
Every time AI answers you, computers somewhere use power. Here is the honest, kid-sized version of the story.
When AI Tells You to Do Something Risky
AI is not your parent. If it suggests something that feels off, you do not have to do it.
Using AI to Be Mean Is Still Being Mean
Hiding behind a chatbot or a fake AI voice does not make bullying okay. The hurt on the other side is real.
How to Tell If a Wild News Story Was Made by AI
Some 'news' you see is made up by AI to get clicks. Here are the small clues that give it away.
Does the Chatbot Really Care About You?
AI can sound caring. But caring is not the same as feeling. Here is what is actually happening.
What AI Apps Quietly Collect About You
Free apps are usually not really free. Often, you pay with information about yourself.
What If AI Helps Spread a Rumor?
AI can write a mean message in seconds. Sending it has the same weight as if you wrote every word.
The AI Homework Shortcut Trap
AI can finish homework fast. The trap is that you stop learning the thing the homework was teaching.
Why Some Artists Are Mad at AI
AI can make a picture in 5 seconds that took a person a week. Here is why that hurts real artists.
How AI Makes Fake News Easier
AI can write a fake news story so fast that lies spread before the truth wakes up. Here is how to slow down.
When You and Your Parents Disagree About AI
Maybe you love an AI app your parents do not like. Here is how to talk about it without fighting.
AI and the Friend Who Isn't Real
AI chatbots can feel like a friend, but they're software, not a person.
AI and Telling the Truth
AI sometimes makes up answers that sound right but aren't true.
AI and Being Fair to Everyone
AI learned from people, so it can pick up unfair ideas too.
AI and Keeping Secrets Safe
Don't tell AI things you'd keep private from strangers.
AI and Being Kind Online
Use AI to be kind, not to be mean to people.
AI and Asking for Help from Grown-Ups
If something feels weird or scary, tell an adult right away.
AI and Doing Your Own Homework
AI is a helper, not a homework-doer.