Kernel Quest: AI Literacy Activity

A hands-on, interactive activity that teaches middle school students how CNNs use kernels to "scan" images and detect visual features, e.g. from edges to the wheels of a car. Students simulate a CNN by sliding a plastic “kernel” between polarizer film sheets, revealing parts of a cartoon monster while the rest remains hidden, noting observed features (e.g., eyes, wings) to guess the monster’s identity.

Kernel Quest Story Guide

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Meet the Quirkies!

  • Barkwing

  • Moonfeather

  • Shadowtail

  • Googglygill

  • Blossomglide

  • Skydancer

  • Blubbloom

  • Crawlypaw

  • Hexaview

  • BubbleJum

  • romancepaw

  • Whiskerfin

  • Wingtwist

  • Dripgleam

Prototyping

Prototype Design Goal: a physical setup where the viewer can move a small viewport freely over a large picture, revealing only the portion of the picture directly under the viewport while the rest remains hidden.

Brainstorming Methods

1. Polarizer Sheets

Inspiration:

I recall from AP Physics…

How does Polarization work?

Two polarizers with perpendicular transmission axes doesn't allow any light to pass through.

When a plastic sheet (the star) is inserted between the two polarizers, it creates a “viewport” for the image underneath.

The plastic piece work the same as the middle polarizer. It bend the light a little bit so the light can pass through the analyzer

2. Oil on Water

Inspiration:

What if we put a glass cup in a bowl filled with ink…

Put image in plate and cover with plastic wrap

Put in shot glass as viewport, poured India ink

Bottom of glasses are not flat -> Ink got under the “viewport” cup, can’t see the image underneath

Experiment 1: Ink doesn’t work!

Use oil paint (dissolve in oil but not in water) to dye cooking oil. I tried and found that water-based ink doesn’t dissolve in oil, it just contaminate the water

Experiment 2: Oil on Water

Why not use something that floats on water?

  • Felt like a middle school take home science experiment

  • I like how you can find all the materials from your kitchen to build this (except for the oil paint)

  • And cheap!

I used a plastic packaging for airfryer sheets; Draw image underneath container, put “viewport” glass on top;

Add water, then pour a thin layer of darkened oil on top

Oil float on top of water, can see through viewport as it’s moved

Quick Thoughts…

If we want smth more portable and reusable, maybe we can make a box? -> Sealed box filled with water and a thin layer of darkened oil

  • A sliding slot at the bottom to insert and change image

  • A clear monocular-shaped glass piece divided into top and bottom halves connected by magnets(? Not sure)

  • User slide top half on top of cover to move the monocular; bottom half moves together with top half -> push away the oil and show the kernel view of the image

3. Dark Box with Flashlight?

Some VERY rough sketches

Maybe a black box with square openings? Use flashlight to shine light through the openings and cast a bright square area

Design

Rough Sketch:

Test with Polarizer Sheets

My Design Notes:

  • Overlay two polarizer sheets perpendicular to each other on top of a glowing light source.

  • Slide a square-shaped plastic piece (the CNN kernel) between the sheets to look at different parts of the image.

  • Can only see the image through the kernel, other areas are dark

  • Need a glowing light source:

    Can put on a white background on a phone, tablet, or light-box, place a figure made from A. translucent materials (e.g. cellophane sheets), or B. paper (image would appear dimmer, might have to turn of room lights) 

Kleenex Box Prototype

Lab members tested it together, together with the story guide, quirkie image, collaboration mode, and instructor guidance.

Wood Prototype

Used for user study at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry with 8 families

Activity Guides

Parent Facilitator Guide

Quirkie Field Guide

Encyclopedia of Glimmerwood Quirkies

Story Guide V1

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Kernel Quest is under active development. Come back in a while to see updates!