Artificial Intelligence is already shaping how we learn, create, communicate, and make decisions. During Santa Cruz County AI Literacy Week, we invite teachers, students, families, and community members to come together to explore a shared question:
How can we understand and use AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and critically?
This countywide week of learning is designed to move beyond trying AI tools “just because they’re cool” and toward AI literacy — understanding how AI works, where it shows up in our lives, and how to engage with it ethically and intentionally.
Santa Cruz County AI Literacy Week aligns with leading AI education frameworks that emphasize foundational understanding, critical thinking, and ethical engagement with technology. These include the AI Literacy Framework from the AI Literacy Consortium, the AI Readiness Framework from AIEDU, and Digital Promise’s AI Literacy initiative focused on equitable, learner-centered practice. Together, these frameworks guide how we help students understand what AI is, how it works, and how it shapes society — beyond simply using tools.
Kick Off the Week With Us
Vibe Coding: Educator Edition
A 2-hour hands-on experience — co-hosted with Pie Fi Santa Cruz
Teachers: want to kick off AI Literacy Week by actually building something yourself?
Vibe Coding: Educator Edition pairs K–12 teachers with UCSC students to create a small, working app or classroom tool together — no coding experience needed. You bring the classroom vision; they help bring it to life.
In just two hours, you’ll go from curious to creating — and walk away with real ideas (and a working prototype) you can bring back to your students.
What to expect: A quick kickoff, partner brainstorm, collaborative build time, and a showcase where every team shares what they made.
What to bring: A laptop, curiosity, and zero experience required.
Learn more & sign up → vibecoding4teachers.lovable.app
(Teacher spots are limited!)
Why AI Literacy Matters
AI is everywhere — from social media feeds and video recommendations to navigation apps and creative tools. But as AI becomes more powerful, it also raises important questions about bias, accuracy, privacy, trust, and decision-making.
AI literacy helps learners of all ages:
- Think critically about information they see online
- Understand how algorithms influence choices and perspectives
- Recognize the strengths and limitations of AI systems
- Use AI tools responsibly, ethically, and creatively
- Become informed participants in an AI-driven world
This work isn’t just for computer scientists. AI literacy is a new form of digital citizenship — and it’s for everyone.
National AI literacy frameworks describe this work as more than tool use — it’s about understanding AI systems, evaluating their impact, and engaging with them responsibly. Resources like the AI Literacy Framework, the AI Readiness Framework, and Digital Promise’s AI Literacy initiative provide guidance on how to build these capacities in learners of all ages.
What is AI Literacy Week?
AI Literacy Week is a flexible, countywide invitation for schools and classrooms to engage students in age-appropriate AI learning experiences anytime during the week of March 23–29, 2026.
Whether you participate for 30 minutes, one lesson, or across multiple days, you’re part of a shared learning moment happening across Santa Cruz County. There is no single “right” way to participate — teachers are encouraged to choose what best fits their students and schedule.
How to Participate
Teachers & Schools
- Pick a time during the week of March 23–29
- Choose an activity that fits your grade level
- Facilitate curiosity — no prep-heavy planning required
- Optional: Send home a short family letter to invite conversation about AI learning
- Celebrate participation with your students
- Add your classroom or school to our live participation map
Students & Families
- Ask your school how they’re participating
- Talk together about where AI shows up in daily life
- Explore questions like:
- How does AI make decisions?
- When should we trust it — and when should we question it?
Community Members
- Join the conversation around ethical and responsible AI use
- Support students in becoming thoughtful technology users and creators
Featured Classroom Activities (K–12)
In collaboration with PVUSD Technology & Innovation Coaches, we are featuring ready-to-use lessons designed specifically for this week. These activities are intended for educator-facilitated classroom use and center discussion, exploration, and reflection. No AI background required — just curiosity.
Each activity includes:
- A short “hook”
- Clear explanations
- Interactive elements
- Reflection and discussion prompts
Grades K-2: Is it Magic or Math?
Grades 3-5: The Training Game
Grades 6-8: The Influence of Algorithms
Grades 9-12: The Co-Pilot & the Ethics
Students explore patterns, predictions, and how computers “learn,” helping them distinguish between magic and math in age-appropriate ways.
Students experience how AI systems learn from data — and how that data shapes outcomes — through hands-on activities and discussion.
Students examine how algorithms shape what we see online and explore questions around filter bubbles, recommendations, and influence.
Students investigate generative AI, prompt design, and ethical considerations, including bias, accuracy, and responsible use.
Want to Go Deeper? Explore More AI Learning Resources
AI Literacy Week is designed to be flexible. The featured activities are a great place to start — and for those who would like to explore further, the resources below offer optional ways to extend learning, spark discussion, or continue conversations beyond the classroom.
There’s no expectation to use everything. Choose what fits your learners, your time, and your goals.
Become a Part of the Countywide Learning Community
We’re celebrating AI Literacy Week as a shared county experience.
📍 Add your classroom or school to our live participation map.
Drop a pin, share what grade level you’re teaching, and help us visualize how learning is happening across Santa Cruz County.
Join Us
AI will continue to shape our future. AI literacy helps us shape it wisely.
📅 March 23–29, 2026
🎉 National AI Literacy Day: Friday, March 27
👉 Participate with your classroom, your school, or your family — and be part of a countywide moment of learning, reflection, and curiosity.