Fundamentals of AI wellbeing lesson plan
A secondary wellbeing lesson for Years 7 to 9 that helps Australian teachers introduce the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn what AI is, how it works in everyday tools and apps, and how to think critically about AI generated content, privacy and online information. The lesson gives teachers a clear way to introduce AI concepts alongside safe, respectful online behaviour, without needing specialist technical knowledge.
Online Safety, AI & Digital Literacy
Snapshot
Fundamentals of AI
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce AI fundamentals and support students to use AI tools thoughtfully and safely. Feedback: 4.0/5 average rating from 237 teacher and student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding what AI is, how it works and how to use it critically and safely
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise different forms of AI, such as chatbots, recommendation systems and generative tools
identify examples of AI in everyday apps, social media and internet use
recognise when content online may be AI generated or influenced
Understand
understand at a basic level how AI systems use information to generate responses or recommendations
understand why AI generated content is not always accurate or unbiased
understand how AI use connects to privacy and digital footprints
Practise
practise questioning the accuracy and reliability of AI generated information
practise making thoughtful choices about when and how to use AI tools
practise discussing AI use respectfully with peers, including differing opinions
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary students in Years 7 to 9 who are building early understanding of AI and its role in everyday digital life.
It is suitable for:
students with little to no prior knowledge of AI
students who already use AI tools, apps or social media platforms informally
mixed ability classes exploring digital literacy for the first time
students preparing for more structured Technologies or digital citizenship learning
cohorts building confidence with critical thinking about online information
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing AI as a topic Use when students have limited prior exposure to AI concepts and need foundational language and understanding.
Supporting a digital literacy or Technologies unit Use when AI fundamentals fit naturally alongside broader digital literacy or Technologies learning.
Building classroom culture around online use Use when reinforcing thoughtful, respectful digital habits as part of everyday classroom expectations.
Practising critical thinking about online content Use when students are learning to question the accuracy and reliability of information they see online.
Preparing students for AI tools in schoolwork Use when students are beginning to encounter AI tools in assignments or everyday tasks and need shared understanding.
Creating a structured wellbeing or advisory discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about AI, digital habits and online behaviour.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
AI is increasingly part of everyday school and online life, from social media feeds to everyday apps and search tools. Students benefit from a shared, practical understanding of what AI is and how it works, rather than picking up ideas informally or inconsistently. Understanding AI fundamentals early supports students to use these tools thoughtfully rather than uncritically. It gives them language to question AI generated content, consider privacy and think about how AI can influence what they see and do online. This lesson supports a classroom culture where students feel confident asking questions about technology, rather than assuming AI is either entirely trustworthy or something to avoid.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Critical thinking Students question the accuracy and reliability of AI generated content.
Digital literacy Students build foundational understanding of how different forms of AI work.
Privacy awareness Students consider how AI use connects to personal information and digital footprints.
Informed decision making Students practise thinking through when and how to use AI tools appropriately.
Respectful communication Students discuss differing views on AI and technology respectfully.
Online judgement Students build confidence recognising AI influence in everyday apps and social media.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind students to use general examples rather than naming specific classmates, apps or personal online experiences in detail.
Frame discussion around how AI works and how to use it thoughtfully, rather than which tools are good or bad.
Check students have a basic shared understanding of common online platforms before introducing AI examples.
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
During delivery
Use simple, consistent language when explaining different forms of AI, such as chatbots, recommendation systems and generative tools.
Encourage students to ask questions rather than assume they already understand how AI works.
Keep discussion focused on AI use in everyday school and online contexts, not specific brands or products.
Allow time for students to talk through examples in pairs or small groups before whole class discussion.
Supporting safe discussion
Remind students to keep the discussion general and avoid sharing private details about their own or others' online activity.
Encourage respectful disagreement when students have different views on AI use.
Direct any concerns about unsafe online behaviour to a trusted adult using your school's usual process.
Adaptation options
Use simpler AI examples for classes with limited prior exposure to the topic.
Extend discussion into misinformation or digital footprints for classes ready for deeper critical thinking.
Pair students with mixed confidence levels to support peer discussion.
