Whether you attended the Practical AI with Finch Robots workshop at CSPD Week 2026 and want a refresher on the key concepts, or you received a Finch Robot and couldn’t make the session, this recap highlights the main ideas, activities, and classroom applications explored during the workshop.

Artificial intelligence is one of the most talked-about topics in education today, but it can often feel complex or abstract. During this hands-on workshop, educators explored AI through engaging activities using Finch Robots, micro:bits, Google Teachable Machine, and CreateAI.

Rather than simply discussing how AI works, participants experienced the machine learning process firsthand by building models, testing predictions, and connecting AI to physical computing projects.

Here’s a look at the key ideas and activities from the workshop.

Bonus Resource: Download the Workshop Slides
Looking for the complete presentation? Download Todd’s Practical AI with Finch Robots workshop slides for additional examples, activity details, and resources shared during CSPD Week 2026.

Starting with the Fundamentals

We began with a brief introduction to CreXo and BirdBrain Technologies, organizations committed to creating engaging STEM and computer science learning experiences for students. Participants were introduced to the Finch Robot 2.0, a versatile educational robot designed to support coding and computational thinking from elementary school through college. ​

Before diving into AI, attendees learned the basics of connecting, programming, and controlling a Finch robot using FinchBlox and MakeCode. This foundation ensured everyone was comfortable with the hardware and coding environment before adding machine learning into the mix.

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence

One of the most important parts of the workshop was developing a shared understanding of AI and machine learning.

We explored artificial intelligence as a broad category of technologies that enable computers and machines to make decisions, while machine learning represents a specific subset of AI that uses data to create predictive models. Participants discussed familiar examples of machine learning in everyday life, including recommendation systems, translation tools, image recognition, and large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

We also discussed an important reality often overlooked in AI conversations: humans remain essential. People still train models, craft prompts, evaluate results, make decisions, and ensure outputs are appropriate and accurate. This led to conversations about why computational thinking and AI literacy are becoming increasingly important skills for students. ​

AI Experience #1: Image Recognition with Finch

The first hands-on AI challenge focused on image recognition using Google Teachable Machine and Finch robots. Participants trained their own machine learning models to recognize different bird images and then connected those models to pre-built Finch programs in Snap! ​

This activity helped educators experience the complete machine learning workflow:

  • Collecting training data
  • Training a model
  • Testing model accuracy
  • Exporting and using the model
  • Connecting AI outputs to a physical device

As educators experimented with their models, they quickly saw how the quality and quantity of training data directly affected performance. This sparked valuable discussions about bias, accuracy, and the probabilistic nature of machine learning systems.

AI Experience #2: Building a Magic Wand

The second challenge demonstrated the power of gesture recognition and embodied AI.

Participants worked in teams to build “magic wands” using micro:bits and the CreateAI platform. They trained custom machine learning models to recognize gestures and then used those gestures to wirelessly control Finch robots through radio communication. ​

With a wave of a wand, robots could move, change colors, or perform programmed behaviors. The activity felt magical, but it also provided a concrete example of how machine learning can interpret sensor data and transform human movement into meaningful actions.

More importantly, participants saw how AI can be integrated into creative, project-based learning experiences that combine computer science, engineering, and design thinking.

Teaching AI Through Making

Throughout the workshop, we highlighted several free resources available from BirdBrain Technologies, including lessons that integrate AI with Finch robots, Hummingbird kits, Snap!, Python, MakeCode, Google Teachable Machine, and CreateAI.

The instructional philosophy behind these lessons centers on three key goals:

  • Developing computational thinking through authentic coding experiences.
  • Building an understanding of how machine learning models are trained and why data quality matters.
  • Empowering students to create their own AI-powered projects and solutions. ​

Rather than treating AI as a mysterious black box, these lessons help students understand that AI is a human-created technology that can be designed, tested, improved, and applied to solve real problems. ​

Looking Ahead

AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, and educators are searching for meaningful ways to introduce these concepts in the classroom. Hands-on robotics provides an ideal entry point because it makes abstract ideas visible, tangible, and engaging.

By combining machine learning tools with Finch robots and micro:bits, educators can give students opportunities to explore image recognition, gesture control, data collection, model training, and computational thinking in ways that are both accessible and exciting. ​

The excitement and creativity displayed during the workshop reinforced a simple truth: when students — and educators — can see AI controlling a robot they programmed themselves, artificial intelligence stops being something they merely hear about and becomes something they truly understand.

For educators interested in exploring these activities, BirdBrain Technologies provides free AI lessons and resources at birdbrain.info/AILessons. ​​

Continue Exploring AI with Finch
Want the complete workshop presentation? Download Todd’s slide deck for additional examples, discussion prompts, and links to classroom resources.