This is a short review looking at areas I am familiar with using Copilot and other AI tools.

First I used Magic School tools to create a story. Next I created a Tailored Lesson Plan using Magic School and then used the same texts to recreate the request using Copilot.

Notes: I wasn’t trying to compare Magic School with Copilot as they are very different in the way they would be used within a school environment.

I chose to use a STEAM +AI lesson for review. What’s missing from these early uses of AI for education are simple guides on how to undertake tasks that are only just entering the school curriculum or require innovative approaches.

Creating a Story

The Water Warriors: A STEAM Adventure for Global Change

In the bustling halls of Riverside Middle School, four sixth-grade students – Maya, Jamal, Sofia, and Alex – sat excitedly in their technology lab. They had just completed their latest MagicSchool lesson on environmental science and artificial intelligence, and their minds were buzzing with ideas.

“Did you know that billions of people don’t have access to clean water?” Maya asked, adjusting her laptop screen where she was working on a Scratch animation. Her program showed blue water droplets turning brown as they passed through contaminated soil.

Jamal nodded while fine-tuning his small water-testing robot. “And climate change is making it worse. My robot can detect water quality, but I’ve been thinking – what if we could show everyone how serious this problem is?”

Sofia, who was excellent at data visualization, pulled up her tablet. “I’ve been using AI tools to analyze global water quality data. The patterns are scary – rising temperatures are affecting water sources everywhere.”

“We should create something that explains this to everyone,” Alex suggested, already opening their Scratch programming interface. “Something interactive that shows the connection between climate change and water quality.”

The four friends worked together for weeks, combining their skills:

Maya’s Contribution:

Created a Scratch animation showing how climate change affects the water cycle
Animated rising sea levels and their impact on coastal freshwater sources
Developed interactive scenarios showing water contamination spread

Jamal’s Innovation:

Built a simple water-testing robot using recycled materials
Programmed it to measure basic water quality indicators
Created tutorial videos showing others how to build similar devices

Sofia’s Data Work:

Used AI tools to analyze global water quality trends
Created visual representations of data showing affected populations
Mapped areas most at risk of water scarcity due to climate change

Alex’s Programming:

Developed an interactive Scratch game about water conservation
Created simulations showing future scenarios with and without action
Programmed a virtual tour of water treatment facilities

Their project came together as a multimedia presentation that included:

Interactive maps showing global water quality issues
Animations demonstrating how climate change affects water sources
Simple robotics tutorials for water testing
Games teaching water conservation
AI-powered predictions of future water scenarios

The team presented their project at the school’s STEAM fair, where it caught the attention of local environmental groups. Their work showed how rising temperatures could lead to:

More frequent droughts
Increased water pollution
Rising sea levels contaminating coastal freshwater
Greater spread of waterborne diseases

Through their project, they highlighted solutions like:

Water conservation methods
Innovation in water purification
Community-based monitoring systems
Global cooperation for clean water access

The story of these four students spread through social media, inspiring other young people to use technology for environmental causes. Their message was clear: with creativity, technology, and teamwork, young people could make a real difference in solving global problems.

The project’s success showed how combining STEAM education with real-world problems could create powerful learning experiences. Their work demonstrated that when students use tools like Scratch programming, robotics, and AI, they can better understand and communicate complex environmental challenges.

Note: This story emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and environmental awareness while incorporating grade-appropriate technology concepts. The focus on water quality and climate change aligns with middle school science standards while introducing students to programming and robotics in an accessible way.

Lesson Plan

Generate a lesson plan for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths) education that combines Art and Science.

It should be designed for US 7^th Grade.

The objectives are, to create a STEAM lesson plan that teaches the use of Scratch for coding, story telling, controlling robotics and developing a theme such as The Water Cycle and issues around availability of water and pollution.

Additional criteria include; to focus on Innovation as a core skill that needs to be fostered. Adopting STEAM +AI is a vehicle for teaching and practising Innovation. Children will be encourage to think innovatively and practice innovation skills. The lessons should be able to be used during STEAM lessons or included in the course work of a School Innovation Cub.

Additional instructions include; In addition to the standard lesson plan, a separate list of parts for the robotics should be included based on the use of a MicroBit controller.

Note: The format of the question follows the Magic school forms input for a tailored lesson plan. The “Additional instructions” form the tailored element.

Magic School

AI Generated Title for the Lesson: Innovative Coding with Scratch: Exploring the Water Cycle

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to create a Scratch project that tells a story related to the Water Cycle while incorporating innovative solutions to issues around water availability and pollution.

ASSESSMENTS: Students will present their Scratch projects to the class, demonstrating their understanding of the Water Cycle and the innovative approaches they developed to address related issues.

KEY POINTS:

Introduction to Scratch programming and its functionalities.
Overview of the Water Cycle and its importance.
Discussion of water availability and pollution issues.
Concept of innovation and how it can solve real-world problems.
The role of storytelling in communicating scientific concepts.

OPENING:

Begin with a short video on the Water Cycle to pique interest.
Ask students: “How does water pollution affect our daily lives?”
Engage students in a brief discussion about their thoughts on water issues.

INTRODUCTION TO NEW MATERIAL:

Introduce Scratch and demonstrate how to create a simple project.
Discuss the Water Cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Explain water availability and pollution, providing real-world examples.
Anticipate misconceptions: Students may think pollution only affects water bodies and not the entire ecosystem.

GUIDED PRACTICE:

In pairs, students will brainstorm ideas for their Scratch projects focusing on the Water Cycle.
Provide a simple template for their projects to scaffold their work.
Pose questions to guide their thinking, starting with: “What happens to water during evaporation?” and progressing to “How can we illustrate pollution’s impact?”
Monitor student discussions and project development, providing feedback and support.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE:

Students will individually create their Scratch projects, incorporating storytelling elements about the Water Cycle and innovative solutions.
Set clear expectations for project components: at least three scenes, use of appropriate coding blocks, and a final presentation.

CLOSING:

Conduct a gallery walk where students showcase their Scratch projects.
Allow peers to provide feedback and ask questions about each project.
Summarize key points learned about the Water Cycle and innovation.

EXTENSION ACTIVITY:

Students who finish early can explore additional Scratch extensions, such as incorporating sounds or animations related to the Water Cycle.

HOMEWORK:

Write a reflection on how their project addresses water availability and pollution, including any personal connections to the topic.

STANDARDS ALIGNED:

Next Generation Science Standards: MS-ESS2-4.
Common Core State Standards for Writing: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.

Robotics Parts List for MicroBit Controller:

MicroBit Controller
USB Cable for programming
Servo Motors (for movement)
LED Lights (for visual effects)
Sensors (e.g., temperature, moisture) for environmental data
Jumper Wires
Battery Pack (for power supply)
Chassis or base for robotics project assembly

This lesson plan integrates STEAM and AI principles, fostering innovation among 7th-grade students while addressing significant environmental issues.

Microsoft Copilot (question included at the end of the long running conversation on designing and setting up an Innovation Centre)

Absolutely, David. Let’s energize your day with a powerful STEAM + AI lesson plan designed for 7th graders—and then I’ll share some motivational quotes to help you stay focused and inspired.

🎓 STEAM + AI Lesson Plan: “Innovating the Water Cycle”

Grade Level: 7th Grade (US)
Duration: 5 x 60-minute sessions
Setting: STEAM class or School Innovation Club
Theme: The Water Cycle, Water Scarcity, and Pollution
Core Focus: Innovation through Scratch coding, storytelling, robotics, and AI-enhanced thinking

🧠 Learning Objectives

Understand the science behind the water cycle and human impact on water systems
Use Scratch to code interactive stories and simulations
Control a MicroBit-based robot to demonstrate environmental monitoring
Practice innovation skills: problem-solving, empathy, iteration, and storytelling
Explore how AI can support environmental awareness and creative solutions

🧪 Session Breakdown

Session 1: Water Cycle + Innovation Challenge

Science Focus: Introduce the water cycle, water scarcity, and pollution
Art Integration: Students sketch a visual story of a water droplet’s journey
Innovation Prompt: “How might we use technology to protect water in our community?”

Session 2: Scratch Storytelling

Tech Focus: Learn Scratch basics (sprites, backgrounds, motion, dialogue)
Activity: Students code a short animated story of a water droplet facing pollution
Innovation Skill: Empathy—telling the story from the droplet’s perspective

Session 3: Robotics + MicroBit Monitoring

Engineering Focus: Assemble a simple robot using MicroBit
Coding Task: Program the robot to simulate water flow or detect pollution (e.g., light sensor for murky water)
Innovation Skill: Iteration—test and refine robot behavior

Session 4: AI + Creative Problem Solving

AI Focus: Introduce AI as a tool for pattern recognition and prediction
Activity: Use a simple AI model (e.g., Teachable Machine or Scratch extension) to classify clean vs. polluted water images
Innovation Skill: Systems thinking—how AI can support environmental action

Session 5: Showcase + Reflection

Presentation: Students present their Scratch story and robot demo
Reflection: What did they learn about innovation? What would they improve?
Extension: Invite local water experts or environmental groups to join

🧰 MicroBit Robotics Parts List

1x MicroBit v2
1x MicroBit battery pack (2 AAA batteries)
1x MicroBit breakout board or edge connector
2x Micro servo motors
1x Motor driver board (compatible with MicroBit)
1x Light sensor or moisture sensor
Jumper wires
Cardboard, recycled materials for robot body
USB cable for programming
Optional: LED strip or buzzer for alerts

💡 Motivational Quotes to Keep You Going

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

“Innovation is seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” — Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” — Alan Kay

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

If you’d like, I can turn this into a printable teacher guide or a student workbook. Or we can build a companion Scratch project together to kickstart the coding. Let’s keep the momentum flowing—like a clean, resilient water cycle! 💧💡