Inspiring curiosity in kids with math, data and artificial intelligence

Data and artificial intelligence (AI) are empowering the future. Experts say Data in the 21st century is like oil in the 18th century, an immensely valuable asset. And artificial intelligence is progressing towards becoming the most transformative technology that has ever been developed by humanity.

They are no longer limited to only the IT industry, it is being significantly used in our day-to-day lives as well. For instance, to unlock our mobile phones we use facial recognition, we use Alexa and Siri as our digital voice assistant, or even booking a cab on Uber, we are using AI-enabled technology all the time without even realizing it.

With such advancement in technology, kids developing data and AI thinking skills have become crucial in today’s time. As the future is going to rely on it. Hence, data and AI thinking can help kids in multiple ways to upskill and make them ready to face challenges that come in the future.

Behind all the significant technological advances, there is mathematics.

Math is referred to as the queen of sciences. It has a substantial contribution to data collection, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Whereas, the machine's ability to mimic human behavior is possible with the support of mathematical concepts.

It is used in order to create and develop models for human understanding. Therefore, these models can be prepared with numerous mathematical concepts like probability, statistics, linear algebra, calculus, game theory, and many more and all have data science underpinnings.

Why exploring the hidden beauty of mathematics is important

Most kids feel math is complex, it has a lot of formulas, calculations, and procedures which won’t ever be applied in real life. But, the truth is math is applied in almost every aspect of life helping mankind create and explain wonders.

Basic mathematical concepts are used all the time knowingly or unknowingly. The emergence of math from unexpected situations can really surprise you. For instance, math is used in making budgets, exercising, interior designing, weather forecasting, driving, baking, sports, and many more.

Many math concepts are considered abstract because they are not easily visualized. Most often kids struggle in understanding and remembering mathematical concepts that are abstract. To turn abstract concepts into visual representations technology plays a major role. Having visuals for abstract mathematical concepts helps kids solidify understanding.

It can help kids in becoming skeptical and improve their reasoning, they start to think more critically. For example, when a kid is asked to explain how they arrived at a particular solution for the complex problem or to describe the ideas behind a formula or procedure, to answer the question they apply for logic and order.

No matter what career kids choose in the future math has an integral role to play. Having a strong mathematical foundation will help kids to analyze and solve problems, abilities that everyone values at work. Math also helps with other important aspects, like thinking critically, paying attention to detail, and how to approach tasks methodically.

Why data literacy is crucial for kids

It gives the ability to articulate questions and define problems. Data is highly quintessential for understanding and identifying the problem. Data thinking helps kids to analyze the current situation and gives them the ability to ask questions about why the problem is occurring.

In order to come up with multiple potential solutions for the problems, kids have to develop deep knowledge. It can be done by primary sources and secondary sources like researching and studying the past data.

Data thinking helps kids to carefully analyze each potential solution and identify the positive and negative consequences of each of the solutions developed.

After analyzing the data and evaluating the potential solutions kids have to choose the most suitable solution and eliminate the undesirable solutions. This process improves the decision-making skills of kids.

Data thinking enhances pattern identification skills. Kids will be able to identify underlying patterns and how they function and will be able to predict what comes next in a specific problem or situation. It allows them to excel in areas such as math, programming, and artificial intelligence.

Why learning AI thinking is key for youngsters

Every kid should experience exposure to future technologies as everything in the future will be automated. The basics of AI, robotics, and programming should be common knowledge to kids of all ages and not something restricted to college students and employees. The earlier kids develop AI thinking skills the more they will flourish in the future.

Programming has become an important skill where even 12-year-old kids are learning it. AI thinking helps kids in developing programming skills, wherein they also develop enhanced skills such as logical reasoning, mathematical analysis, problem-solving, and others.

Since we are surrounded by data. On a daily basis, the amount of data that is being generated has immensely increased over the past couple of years and is growing with each passing day. Machine learning and artificial intelligence require a huge chunk of data to perform well.

If kids from an early age understand how to collect, examine, and analyze data and get more familiar with the process it will promote data fluency and help in better analysis and understanding of data.

Artificial intelligence has the power to create millions of career opportunities for the next generation. Starting from a young age can prove beneficial for kids if they develop AI thinking which will help them in the future.

This article has been written by Srini Vemula, Founder, Igebra.ai