Space exploration ethics, AI, and restoring the balance
4th March 25
This Spring Term, students in Upper School have enjoyed deeper learning experiences on topics including the ethics of space exploration, whether AI should be embraced or feared, and the precarious nature of systems.
The topics were considered as part of Explorations, interdisciplinary enquiry projects that our students complete in Years 6, 7 and 8 – a core aspect of the excellent education we offer here at KAS. Over a term, they explore a given enquiry question through the lens of multiple subjects. Learn more about this term’s Explorations below.
Year 7 Explorations
STEM enquiry question: Is space exploration ethical?
As part of their Exploration in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), students have been learning about NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover and its role in the Mars Exploration Project.
One lesson saw them build their own mini rovers using Lego Education ‘Spike’ sets.
They programmed the rovers to navigate around obstacles using Python, an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch.
In addition to developing their knowledge in the STEM fields (particularly algorithms, programming and data), this fun learning activity helped students to think critically and solve complex problems.
Working in pairs also provided opportunities to develop their communication and collaboration skills.
“It was quite hard because sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t,” said Anoushka D. “It was frustrating when it didn’t, but then felt good when you finally got it right.”
Her partner on the task, Willa F, added: “I enjoyed doing it with Anoushka because we could figure it out together. This project has been really fun.”
Liberal Arts enquiry question: Should we fear or embrace AI?
Year 7 began this term’s Liberal Arts Exploration with a talk from Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton.
The lively session covered how AI works, its uses, and its implications for individuals and society.
Discussion points included:
- The ethics of using AI when doing homework;
- Ways in which AI might aid revision;
- The environmental impact of generating AI responses;
- Reasons for AI applications having age restrictions;
- How AI perpetuates bias;
- Why thinking for yourself is essential for learning.
As part of this Exploration, students will also consider the enquiry question from various angles, including how different artists have used technology in Art, how to write dystopian fiction in English, and how AI can be used to influence thinking and promote ideas in Humanities.
Explorations in Year 8
Enquiry question: How can the natural balance be restored?
As part of their Explorations study of ‘Systems’, Year 8 students built terrariums – an eco-system in a jar.
Student Hugo C said: “The ecosystems in our jars have everything needed to stay balanced. It’s been really interesting learning about the different systems we have on earth and thinking about how humans influence them.”
Teacher Hannah Sheath explained: “This activity gave a very visual representation of how a simple system works.
“We’ll go on to look in more depth at other systems, what impact it has when they are out of balance, and how to restore the natural balance.”
