Hour of AI: A Week of Learning Across Highline
Artificial intelligence is already part of students’ daily lives. During Computer Science Education Week, December 8 through 12, Highline students learned how it works - and how to use it responsibly.
About 1,500 Highline students participated in Hour of AI, a national initiative that introduces learners to artificial intelligence and digital citizenship through one hour of hands-on learning. The activities focus on problem-solving, logic and thoughtful technology use.
Highline partnered with Microsoft to bring trained volunteers into 3rd–5th-grade classrooms. With support from the Department of Digital Transformation, students explored AI through hands-on lessons focused on logic, language, and decision-making.
Across classrooms, students learned that AI does not “think” on its own - it responds to instructions. The lessons built critical thinking and reinforced an important message: students can shape technology, not just use it.
Thank you to the educators, librarians, and Microsoft volunteers who made this work possible—and to the students who showed up ready to learn!
Spotlight: Building AI Bugs at Midway Elementary
At Midway Elementary, 5th-grade students in Ms. Schumacher’s class explored the world of artificial intelligence with instructor Jolenta Coleman-Bush. They learned what AI and AI agents are, then used a program called Bug Arena to understand algorithms and apply logic to code their own “AI bugs.” Each bug was programmed to battle in the arena, and students advanced through levels by refining their code.
“This activity was a great way to teach students math, language, and literacy in untraditional ways.” Jolenta Coleman-Bush, Instructor.
Along the way, students practiced teamwork by sharing solutions and teaching each other how to create specific pieces of code. The session introduced variables and highlighted the power of language, showing how words like “stop” instead of “freeze” can change outcomes. When asked for their thoughts on AI, students said:
“It’s fun, it’s important, it helps us — and WE are in control!” Midway Elementary 5th Grade Students