Following the Data Trail

This worksheet guides students through how data travels inside an artificial intelligence system using a real-world example of social media content moderation. By reading an informational passage and labeling each stage of the AI process, students practice careful reading, system analysis, and clear identification of input, processing, model, output, and feedback.

Learning Goals

• AI Workflow Understanding – Identify how data moves through an AI system from input to feedback.
• Process Mapping Skills – Correctly label each step in an AI data journey using a structured chart.
• Informational Text Analysis – Extract key details from a real-world passage about content moderation.
• Technology Literacy – Understand how AI systems detect patterns, make decisions, and improve over time.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Designed Resource – Created by educators to explain complex AI systems in a clear, student-friendly way.
• Real-World Connection – Uses social media moderation to connect abstract AI concepts to familiar technology.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Works well for science lessons, reading integration, independent practice, or group discussion.
• Structured Support – Definitions and charts help guide students through multi-step reasoning.
• No-Prep Printable – Ready to use in classrooms or homeschool settings.

This printable worksheet helps students visualize and understand how artificial intelligence systems operate behind the scenes. By tracing input, processing, model decisions, outputs, and feedback, learners strengthen critical thinking, informational reading, and system-level reasoning. It supports both classroom instruction and homeschool learning while building foundational understanding of AI workflows, safety concepts, and data-driven decision-making.

This worksheet is part of our Parts of an AI System collection.