GenAI in Schools Cards
A classroom discussion toolkit helping children explore Generative AI through play and reflection.
A sister project to Exploring the AI Jungle, the Responsible GenAI in Schools Cards continue the same mission: to make complex ideas about artificial intelligence in education accessible, engaging, and human.
Rather than using metaphor, the cards invite direct reflection — each prompt sparks conversation about how AI affects creativity, learning, and responsibility in schools.
Rather than using metaphor, the cards invite direct reflection — each prompt sparks conversation about how AI affects creativity, learning, and responsibility in schools.
Client / Partner
University of Edinburgh · Professor Judy Robertson
Print design · Educational design · Icon design · Packaging
2025
THE CHALLENGE
The challenge was taking hugely complex and fast-evolving ideas about AI and framing them in a way that children could enjoy and discuss — without oversimplifying them.
The cards had to feel tactile, friendly, and trustworthy, encouraging curiosity rather than intimidation. Each card holds just one clear idea, phrased as a question, to help learners pause, think, and share.
The challenge was taking hugely complex and fast-evolving ideas about AI and framing them in a way that children could enjoy and discuss — without oversimplifying them.
The cards had to feel tactile, friendly, and trustworthy, encouraging curiosity rather than intimidation. Each card holds just one clear idea, phrased as a question, to help learners pause, think, and share.
The palette spans a vibrant spectrum, signalling diversity of thought, while the icons act as small anchors of meaning, echoing the animal symbols in Exploring the AI Jungle but in a pared-back form.
The tone throughout is conversational and warm — something a teacher or child could pick up, discuss, and make their own.
THE OUTCOME
- 12 printed cards in a portable, tactile pack
- Free printable version for classroom use on the Data Education in Schools website
- Accessible prompts designed for small-group or whole-class discussions
- Supporting materials hosted on trails.scot (to be released)
Each card contains a short question — What do you think? — followed by a reflection point that helps children build understanding through dialogue.
Visual Anchor: the physical card pack itself, photographed in children’s hands, emphasising scale and touch.
Poster
Explanation about poster…
Scrollytelling
Explanation about scrollytelling…
“The project wouldn’t have happened without Elspeth. She listens to my ramblings, somehow reads my mind, and turns ideas into something better than I imagined. Seeing the first draft of the images — I nearly fell off my chair!”
—Professor Judy Robertson, University of Edinburgh
—Professor Judy Robertson, University of Edinburgh
Games & Classroom Activities
Books, Handbooks, Reports & Guides
Scrollytelling Sites
Spatial & Interior Design
IMPACT
Early feedback from educators and families has been enthusiastic. Teachers note how naturally children open up when holding the cards — and how the tactile design invites curiosity.
The cards are being introduced to classrooms alongside the Exploring the AI Jungle materials, creating a complementary route for discussion without the use of metaphor.
(Distribution via the TRAILS.scot site is in progress.)