Learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and programming concepts. Explore AI basics and automation workflows to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Key Concepts

    Key AI Terms

    Define the following terms and share the meaning of each with your counselor: artificial intelligence (AI), artificial intelligence agents, automation, basic programming, bots, data, databases, digital workers, general AI, machine learning (ML), narrow AI, superintelligent AI, tasks, triggers, workflows, and variables.

  2. 2. AI Basics

    Do all
    Do the following and share what you learned with your counselor:
    1. a.

      Identify ten examples of how AI is currently used in everyday life.

    2. b.

      Identify five examples of how AI is currently used in the workplace.

    3. c.

      Identify five examples of how AI can be used at school or in support of your education.

    4. d.
      Meet with your counselor and play ten rounds of the “AI or Not?” game to determine if the presented scenario utilizes AI. Discuss your answers.
    5. e.

      Create a timeline with five key milestones in the development of artificial intelligence.

  3. 3. Automation Basics

    Do all
    Do the following and share what you learned with your counselor:
    1. a.

      Identify 10 examples of how automation is currently used in everyday life.

    2. b.

      Identify five examples of how automation is currently used in the workplace.

    3. c.

      Identify five examples of how automation can be used at school or in support of your education.

    4. d.

      Explain how automation performs repetitive tasks without human intervention and how it reduces human error and optimizes resources.

    5. e.

      Create a timeline with five significant milestones in automation development.

  4. 4. Ethics in AI

    Do all
    Do the following and share what you learned with your counselor:
    1. a.

      Bias, Privacy & Decisions

      Research ethical concerns and responsible use in AI, including bias, privacy, and AI decision-making.
    2. b.

      What Would You Do?

      Meet with your counselor, play, and discuss five rounds of the “What Would You Do?” ethical decision-making scenarios.
    3. c.

      Your Ethical Guidelines

      Develop your own ethical guidelines for the use of AI.
    4. d.

      The Turing Test

      What is the Turing test?

  5. 5. Deepfakes

    Deepfakes

    Do all
    Do the following and share what you learned with your counselor:
    1. a.

      Explain what a deepfake is and how it can affect an individual.

    2. b.

      Describe what actions to take if you or someone you know is impacted by a deepfake.

  6. 6. Developing AI Skills

    Do all
    Do the following and share what you learned with your counselor:
    1. a.

      How AI Learns

      Discuss the learning process for AI and its limitations.
    2. b.

      Communicating with AI

      Identify five methods of how to effectively communicate with AI.
    3. c.

      Prompt Engineering

      Explain the importance of prompt engineering when using AI to create better output.
    4. d.

      Writing Clear Instructions

      Demonstrate three examples of writing clear instructions for a school-related task.

  7. 7. Putting It All Together

    Build Your AI Project

    Choose 1
    Do ONE of the following:
    1. With your counselor’s approval, choose an artificial intelligence project based on your personal interest or a community need. Develop a plan outlining the project’s objectives, data requirements, and potential ethical considerations. Implement the project utilizing appropriate artificial intelligence tools, languages, or platforms. Share your project with your counselor. Discuss the steps you followed to create the project and your experience during the process.
    2. With your counselor’s approval, design a short lesson plan on AI and teach it to your patrol of a group of Scouts. The lesson should include an AI-generated age-appropriate explanation of AI, examples of how AI is used in both everyday life as well as in the workplace, and an interactive demonstration of how Scouts could utilize AI to assist them with a school assignment, Scouting activity, or rank advancement. Share information on the development process and teaching experience with your counselor.

  8. 7. Putting It All Together

    AI Careers

    Choose 1
    Do ONE of the following:
    1. Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in artificial intelligence or automation. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities, and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
    2. Interview an artificial intelligence or automation professional. Learn about their day-to-day work, the challenges they face, and their vision for the future of artificial intelligence or automation. Inquire about training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Share what you learned with your counselor.