Backpropagation
A process used in training neural networks where the model adjusts its internal weights to reduce errors.
Help me explain to...
K–5th
Imagine a student getting a math question wrong, then learning the right way and trying again. Backpropagation is how computers learn from mistakes—just like that student!
6–8th
Backpropagation is like checking your answers after a quiz. When the AI gets something wrong, it traces back through its steps to figure out what went wrong and adjusts to do better next time.
9–12th
Backpropagation is a learning algorithm used in neural networks. After making a prediction, the AI compares it to the correct answer, calculates the error, and adjusts internal connections (weights) to reduce future errors—similar to refining a process based on feedback.
Expeditions
K–5th
Give students a maze worksheet. If they go the wrong way, let them trace back and try again. Then connect the idea to how computers “learn” from wrong answers.
6–8th
Have students play a trivia game. After each round, they correct wrong answers and reflect on how their thinking changed. Relate this to how AI corrects its predictions using backpropagation.
9–12th
Simulate a neural network using a spreadsheet: show how predictions, errors, and adjustments work with simple math. Use a visual demo or tool to illustrate how errors flow backward to improve future outputs.
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