Can AI Help Koalas Cross Roads Safely?
Videos
Grades3, 4, 5, 6Science, Computer Science
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Mongabay Kids
What it is
- This minute-long video and accompanying short article explain how scientists in Australia have created an artificial intelligence camera system that can detect koalas in the hope of one day linking it to road signs that warn drivers when koalas are crossing.
- They note that koalas are endangered and face threats including habitat loss, disease, and bushfire, and that many are injured or killed by cars when crossing roads.
Teaching tips
Classroom Implementation:
- The video pairs well with a class discussion about how new technology can help protect endangered wildlife.
- Use the video as a springboard to explore how habitat loss forces animals to cross roads, and ask students to brainstorm other solutions such as wildlife crossings or fencing.
Options for Action:
- Have students research and design their own idea for a technology or structure that could help an animal in their local area move safely.
- Use an online program, such as this one from Machine Learning for Kids, to train a computer to recognize a particular animal (e.g., moose) or characteristic (e.g., drought in a forest) that could be used to monitor or help solve a local environmental challenge.
Related Resources:
- Read this short article about how AI is helping stop illegal fishing in Panama to offer students another example.
- Dive deeper into machine learning with this lesson plan that helps learners understand how algorithms are trained using data.
From the scientist review
This short video explains how scientists are using new technology to identify where Koalas often cross the road and to alert drivers when Koalas are present. It briefly notes that Koalas are an endangered species and that human actions are affecting their habitats, but it does not go into detail about these topics. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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