DYNAMIC EARTH HOSTS UK’S FIRST SCIENCE SHOW EXPLORING GENERATIVE AI

Generative AI takes centre stage in a new science show equipping young people with critical thinking skills to spot unbelievable AI creations.

150 children and young people from schools across Edinburgh have taken part in the UK’s first science show exploring generative AI at Dynamic Earth.

Learners from three primary schools in the city took on the role of judges in the ‘Unbelievably Talented!’ science show experience, working together to spot and debate what was created by illustrators, comedy writers, designers and chefs, and what was created or supported by AI.

The show has been developed by Digital Skills Education as part of the Bridging Responsible AI Divides (BRAID) programme, in partnership with organisations including The University of Edinburgh and Dynamic Earth.

Generative AI is a rapidly evolving area, with AI tools increasingly taking an ever-growing role in everyday life – whether we notice it or not! From smart home devices that use AI to understand our voices, to online shopping sites that use AI to recommend us products we may like based on what we search for, apps that help us navigate the world with live travel information and even healthcare – where AI is being used to analyse images and diagnose diseases – AI is everywhere!

Unbelievably Talented is the first science show of its kind anywhere in the UK and its debut at Dynamic Earth marks is an important milestone for engaging young people with the influence AI might have in shaping their futures. The show sparks conversations from learners around spotting the factual from the fake, and gets them discussing ethical questions around when they consider it appropriate – or not – to make use of AI in creative contexts.

Reflecting on the show, Craig Steele – Director at Digital Skills Education – said:
“AI is going to be disruptive for young people, both at school and in life. I believe every pupil in Scotland should have the opportunity to explore AI tools in a creative and safe environment. Our Unbelievably Talented show is a great opportunity for them to ask questions, dig into the ethical side of generative AI, and think about what it means for their future”

Chris George – Head of Learning and Engagement at Dynamic Earth – said:
“AI is a topic on everybody’s minds, and it’s been brilliant to support Digital Skills Education to engage directly with learners about the subject with Unbelievably Talented. As AI creations become more sophisticated, and as AI tools become more widely accessible, it’s becoming a fundamental part of learning journeys in schools across the country. It’s crucial that young people are involved in conversations about how and why we are using AI, so that educators and other professionals can effectively navigate the landscape and support these learners not only while they’re at school, but also in their own working lives in future.”