GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into classrooms across the state, the University of Florida is hosting a two-day conference aimed at helping educators and students better understand how to responsibly use the rapidly evolving technology.
The event, organized by the university’s College of Education, is being held March 26–27 at Norman Hall in recognition of National AI Literacy Day. The conference will highlight research-based strategies designed to help Florida schools incorporate AI tools into existing curriculum.
One featured initiative is “SharkAI,” a project launched in 2022 by UF researchers with support from the National Science Foundation. The program uses a five-module curriculum to introduce middle school students to machine learning through hands-on scientific exploration.
“AI is much more than chatbots,” said Pasha Antonenko, a professor of educational technology and co-principal investigator for the project. “Scientists use AI through tools like computer vision to classify species, identify artifacts and sort visual data efficiently. Students learn that these tasks don’t always have to be done by humans, allowing scientists to focus on more complex work.”
The SharkAI curriculum incorporates real-world applications, including the study of shark fossils. Students analyze and classify shark teeth — chosen for their diversity and familiarity to Florida students — while learning how to train machine learning models. Lessons integrate multiple disciplines, including biology, earth science, computer science and paleontology.
Early modules introduce students to foundational AI concepts and the idea of “community science,” where non-professionals contribute to research efforts. Later modules allow students to train computer vision models using both real fossils and 3D-printed replicas. The program also includes lessons on bias and limitations in machine learning datasets, emphasizing responsible and ethical AI use.
Jeremy Waisome, an assistant professor in UF’s Department of Engineering Education and co-principal investigator, said building student confidence with AI is a key goal.
“It is really important that we intentionally introduce students to what artificial intelligence is and how it can impact them,” Waisome said. “We want them to have meaningful experiences that build confidence using this technology.”
The initiative extends beyond students. A weeklong professional development program allows teachers to work through the SharkAI curriculum while strengthening their understanding of machine learning concepts. The program has brought dozens of educators to UF each summer over the past three years, with ongoing refinements based on teacher feedback.
Participating teachers can also connect with scientists through the “Scientist in Every Florida School” program, an initiative of UF’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute. The program pairs researchers with K-12 classrooms to provide hands-on STEM experiences and expose students to potential career paths.
UF officials say efforts like the conference and SharkAI curriculum are designed to help educators navigate both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education.
“Equipping teachers with accurate knowledge while addressing concerns about artificial intelligence is an area where UF can play a significant role,” Waisome said.
