AI Decision Trees

In this activity, students will explore how artificial intelligence systems classify information using decision trees, a foundational machine learning concept.

Through collaborative group work, students will create their own decision trees to classify a set of object cards using yes/no questions. They will then test another group’s tree, simulating how AI models are trained and evaluated. The activity encourages critical thinking about logic design, precision in language, and real-world AI applications such as spam filtering, medical diagnoses, and product recommendations.

Learning Objectives

Students will know

The structure and function of decision trees in AI systems
The importance of clear, logical questioning in data classification

Students will understand

How real-world AI breaks down complex problems into simpler yes/no decisions
The limitations of decision trees when data is ambiguous or improperly structured

Students will be able to

Build and test a classification model using a decision tree
Analyze the effectiveness of a classification system and suggest improvements

Standards Alignment + Connections

Next Generation Science Standards Connections

HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems.

HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Connections

BIO.1.G: Develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, processes, or solutions to engineering problems

BIO.5.A: Relate the functions of different types of biomolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, to the structure and function of a cell

BIO.5.B: Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their complexity, and compare and contrast scientific explanations for cellular complexity

BIO.12.A: Analyze the interactions that occur among systems that perform the functions of regulation, nutrient absorption, reproduction, and defense from injury or illness in animals

BIO.12.B: Explain how the interactions that occur among systems that perform functions of transport, reproduction, and response in plants are facilitated by their structures

Virginia Standards of Learning Connections

BIO.3.B: structures in unicellular and multicellular organisms work interdependently to carry out life processes

BIO.4.C: The structures and functions can be compared

BIO.6.F: Systems of classification are adaptable to new scientific discoveries

How to Run the Experiment

Materials You Will Need

Print and cut out object cards.
- There are 6 prepared themes of cards that cover variety of different science topics. Each theme includes 5 different sets of cards that can be distributed to students. Each theme can be downloaded from our website.
  - Body Systems and Organs
  - Plant Biology
  - Cell and Molecular Biology
  - Microbiology
  - Animals and Classification
  - Ecology and the Environment
- You can add subject cards based on teaching and student needs, as well as content. You may want to review cards with students before using them. You may also want to print, cut, and laminate the cards for future use.
Large poster paper or whiteboard space
Sticky notes
Pens/ markers

Running the Experiment

Download the teacher guide above to walk students through their first decision tree. Student groups should trade decision trees to see if the questions work well to reliably label and sort the provided cards.

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