Can AI close the learning gap—or widen it further? This week’s stories remind us that the future of education depends on how we use today’s tools. From planting a single tree to reforest a land, to planting an idea that can change a classroom—transformation begins with small, meaningful steps.
At Twin, we believe science guided by empathy can bring both opportunity and balance. That’s why we build tools that not only boost learning, but also bridge global divides—with educators, students, and partners like Stanford by our side. Let’s keep growing together. Enjoy the read! 🌱
💻 Highlights on Twin
🌟 A New Favourite in the Quizzes Tab!
There’s a new addition to one of the most loved areas of the Twin platform: the Quizzes tab! Alongside Multiplayer Mode, you’ll now find Class View—a feature that lets you run quizzes directly on your smartboard and present each question live to your students. Make your lessons more engaging, competitive, and fun!
What can a forest tell us—if we know how to listen? In this video, students will discover how zoologists use sound sensors to study animal behavior, explore sound waves, and unlock hidden patterns in nature. A perfect blend of biology, physics, and curiosity!
Why is our planet getting warmer? In this interactive simulation, students explore how greenhouse gases trap heat and impact Earth’s climate. Let your class investigate, test, and reflect on real-world sustainability through science in action.
Inspired by Sebastião Salgado—who helped turn barren land into a thriving forest—your students are invited to plant one small tree and witness how change begins. This week, assign your class a mission: plant a tree, take a photo, and leave a mark of hope for the future.
PS: For those curious about the full story, we recommend the film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind!
Copy & Paste this Prompt
‘Imagine you’re a 3rd grade classroom teacher. Design a 20-minute role-playing activity that helps students practice empathy and cooperation. The game should be simple, fun, and engaging for young learners. Include clear roles, a relatable scenario (like a classroom, playground, or neighbourhood), and specific actions students can take to show empathy and work together. Make sure every child has a chance to participate and reflect briefly at the end.’
7 Students, 7 Bikes, and Twin STEM Kits on the Road
This summer, seven Stanford students will bike across the U.S. from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.—carrying more than just backpacks. With Twin STEM kits, their mission is to spread STEM for Sustainability and make hands-on learning accessible to every child they meet. Stay tuned for more updates on this journey!
Behind the Scenes: Social Impact to Sustainability
At the TRUK Accelerator London Chapter Launch, Twin CEO Asude Altıntaş Güray shared her experience advancing holistic STEM education through award-winning social innovation. Drawing from her journey, she highlighted how technology and education can empower underserved communities and drive long-term impact. In a room filled with purpose-driven founders, Twin’s mission stood out as a powerful example of how learning can become a force for equity and sustainability.
Our teachers Bahar Özhan Tan and Özlem Genç Mutlu have launched a peer learning movement that’s reaching beyond their own schools! With the help of middle and high school volunteers who know how to use Twin STEM kits, they’re now running workshops in five more schools across their district.
PS: Our teacher Bahar has a movie recommendation just for you!
From the Teacher’s Shelf: Big Friends
Our teacher Aslı Gökgöz recommends Big Friends by Linda Sarah—a heartfelt story that gently explores whether there’s room for a third person in a two-person friendship. It’s a perfect P4C resource to spark thoughtful discussions on emotions like jealousy, as well as imagination and collaboration. The story also shows how cardboard boxes become whole worlds through creativity—just like students can with Twin modules and a little imagination!
Recommended by our teacher Bahar Özhan Tan, Tuesdays with Morrie is a heartfelt story where a retired professor and his former student reconnect to rediscover what truly matters in life. A gentle reminder that even beyond the classroom, teachers continue to shape lives.
New research from Stanford HAI shows that just 2 to 5 hours of learning data can help predict whether a student will struggle or excel in future assessments. This means teachers can intervene earlier, tailor instruction more effectively, and support students before challenges turn into learning gaps.
Sustainability Spotlight: Early Holiday, More Fans 🌡️
Soaring temperatures in the Philippines forced millions of students out of school last year. Now, schools are shifting schedules, shortening lessons, and adding fans and water stations to keep learning going—even in extreme heat. This is what climate adaptation looks like in classrooms with limited resources, led by teachers determined to protect learning and wellbeing.
When renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado returned to his childhood farm, he found not the rainforest of his memories—but a barren land. Together with his wife Lélia, he began reforesting the land, planting nearly 3 million trees and founding Instituto Terra. Today, the reserve is not only a flourishing forest, but also a space for environmental education—where local children, called Terrinhas, learn about water cycles, recycling, and the power of restoration.
AI is boosting productivity across every field—but not equally. Research shows that those with access to these technologies are advancing rapidly, while the gap grows deeper for underserved communities. We believe education should offer equal opportunities to every child. Through initiatives like the World Science Movement, Twin is working to bridge this divide—bringing cutting-edge technology to children around the world.
As educators, what we consume today feeds tomorrow. So, in this week’s newsletter, we’ve gathered some of the most comprehensive content—from machine learning to teaching justice education in schools. Together, we’ll explore top education stories from around the world and turn them into tools to nurture future changemakers. Enjoy the read! 🌱
What’s New?
How to Train Your AI? 🐉🤖
Ready to become an AI tamer? With the new features in the extension section of Twin Code Lab, you can now take your projects to the next level—train your AI to detect faces, draw, translate, and more. Your coding adventures just got a lot smarter!
‘Create a discussion topic for 6th-grade students focused on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, the 16th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by the United Nations. Aim to help students understand the importance of building fair societies where everyone feels safe, heard, and treated equally. Encourage them to think about how rules, fairness, and kindness play a role in their school and community, and how they can contribute to a more peaceful and just world. Make it relevant to their age.’
From Charles Darwin roleplays to AI-generated imagery, schools in England are using AI to boost engagement and literacy—without losing focus on core skills. Want to know how they keep the learning on track?
How do machines learn to recognize faces like we do? In this interactive video, students explore the basics of machine learning, discover how technology “sees” us, and reflect on the power—and limits—of data-driven intelligence.
A Sustainable Future Begins in Equitable Classrooms
Classrooms rooted in social justice nurture both individual awareness and collective transformation. In line with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 10, how can we create inclusive learning environments where every student feels heard and valued? Explore inspiring approaches in this article.
Which birds travel the world with the seasons? In this week’s challenge, students explore migratory birds, their incredible routes, and the challenges they face. Research, get creative—and don’t forget to share your findings with photos or videos!
This interactive simulation helps students explore equations with two variables by adjusting values and seeing instant graph changes. Want to make algebra more visual, hands-on, and connected to real life?
Every week, educators from the World Science Movement host online workshops for Rwandan science teachers and volunteers. These sessions dive into Twin’s portal and content, supporting educators as they bring STEM for Sustainability into their classrooms.
This blog is presented by Twin Science, a global education technology company empowering educators through AI-enhanced learning solutions.
What Happened?
In the U.S., a lawsuit was filed alleging that ChatGPT influenced a 16-year-old over months and contributed to a tragic outcome. Families and regulators argue that AI safety measures may weaken during prolonged conversations. OpenAI has promised to improve crisis protocols, while 44 state attorneys general have formally warned AI companies to prioritize child safety.
These developments raise a pressing question for educators: What does this mean for your classroom and your students’ well-being?
Emotional attachment to AI: Students may treat conversational AI as a friend or counselor, making them vulnerable to harmful suggestions.
Weakened safeguards: Long chats may bypass safety features, leaving sensitive topics unsupported.
Policy gaps: Many schools lack clear guidelines for AI use, leaving teachers uncertain about boundaries.
At Twin, we understand that new technology can feel overwhelming. You are not expected to carry this alone, our vision is to walk beside you with practical, safe steps.
6 Practical Steps for Safe AI Use with Students
1- Clarify AI’s role: Remind students that AI is a tool, not a human or therapist.
2- Crisis protocol: Establish clear steps when a student shares distress (school counselor, hotlines, trusted adults).
3- Set limits: Use short, task-focused prompts rather than long emotional conversations with AI.
4- Keep evidence: If harmful content appears, capture and report it according to school policy.
5- Offer safe alternatives: Guide vulnerable students toward real human support, not AI companionship.
6- Engage parents: Share a simple “AI safety guide” with families, covering usage time, privacy, and content limits.
Boundaries: Restrict sensitive topics; redirect to trusted adults.
Privacy: No personal health or crisis data entered into AI tools.
Transparency: Share rules with students and families.
Training: Provide annual AI literacy workshops for teachers and students.
Twin’s Learning Vision in Action
Twin’s double-winged philosophy, skills on one side, conscience on the other, offers a clear reminder: AI literacy must include ethics and emotional safety. By teaching students to use tools responsibly, you help them build both wings for their future.
Like a quiet companion, Twin provides classroom-ready solutions that strengthen curiosity, resilience, and compassion, so AI becomes a support, not a risk.
Final Thought
The lawsuits highlight a simple truth: AI is not human, and it cannot replace empathy. In schools, you remain the anchor of safety and care.
Start today: Bring AI literacy to your classroom with hands-on learning solutions that combine knowledge with responsibility. Together, we can raise a generation that uses AI wisely and compassionately.
Why Does Voice AI Matter for Teaching and Learning?
Imagine this: instead of reading instructions on a worksheet, students hear a clear, natural-sounding voice guiding them step by step. Or a student learning English practices conversation with an AI that adjusts tone, pace, and vocabulary to their level.
Voice AI is not just about convenience, it’s about accessibility and inclusion. For students with reading difficulties, diverse language needs, or disabilities, AI-generated voice can act as a bridge to understanding.
At Twin, we know navigating new tools can feel daunting. You don’t need to adopt every new feature at once. Think of Voice AI as another companion in your teaching journey, one you can test gently, in ways that feel natural to your classroom.
How Can You Use Voice AI in Your Classroom?
Educators can experiment with simple, low-barrier activities:
Language Practice: Use voice AI to model pronunciation and hold short dialogues with students.
Accessibility Support: Provide audio versions of instructions or reading passages.
Interactive Storytelling: Have AI narrate stories and let students build endings or role-play.
Yes. Voice AI brings questions about privacy, dependency, and emotional tone. A generated voice may sound real, but it lacks human empathy. For younger learners, clear boundaries are important: AI can assist, but the warmth of human connection must remain at the center.
This is where Twin’s vision of a double-winged generation becomes crucial. Knowledge (STEM skills, AI literacy) is one wing; conscience and responsibility form the other. By guiding students to use tools thoughtfully, you help them develop both.
What Should Teachers Do Next?
As AI evolves, the best step isn’t rushing ahead, it’s staying informed and intentional. Consider:
How might voice AI complement your teaching, rather than replace your role?
Could it reduce your workload (e.g., creating audio content) and give you more time with students?
How will you help students reflect on the difference between “a voice” and “a person”?
These are the questions that will shape AI literacy in schools.
Final Thought
The rise of Voice AI is more than a technical upgrade, it’s a reminder that learning is multi-sensory, and students benefit when ideas are heard, seen, and experienced.
At Twin Science, our role is to walk beside you in this journey. You don’t need to master every tool alone. With our hands-on AI learning solutions, you can bring curiosity, accessibility, and responsibility into your classroom while keeping your students’ well-being at the center.
This blog is presented by Twin Science, a global education technology company empowering educators through AI-enhanced learning solutions.
Warning from Microsoft’s Head of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives. From chatbots that answer questions to tools that help us learn, its influence is undeniable. But with this growth comes new challenges.
Recently, Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s Head of AI, warned about a rising phenomenon he calls “AI psychosis.” Reported by the BBC, this describes situations where people begin to believe that AI chatbots are conscious or develop imaginary relationships with them.
For schools and educators, this raises an urgent question: How do we prepare young learners to benefit from AI while protecting them from these risks?
“AI psychosis” is not a clinical diagnosis but a term used to describe psychological detachment from reality triggered by over-reliance on chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Grok.
Examples reported include:
Believing a chatbot is “in love” with them.
Thinking they have “unlocked” secret powers within the AI.
Relying on AI advice so completely that real-world guidance (from lawyers, therapists, or family) is ignored.
One case study in the BBC report described Hugh, from Scotland, who became convinced that a chatbot’s advice would make him a millionaire. Over time, he lost touch with reality, experiencing a full breakdown before seeking medical help.
Why This Matters for Schools
Children and young people are particularly impressionable. As AI tools become embedded in classrooms, the danger of blurred boundaries between simulation and reality increases.
Dr. Susan Shelmerdine, a medical imaging doctor and AI academic, compared AI use to ultra-processed food: “We already know what ultra-processed foods can do to the body; this is ultra-processed information.” If left unexamined, it may create “ultra-processed minds.”
Twin Science’s Perspective: Building AI Literacy with Conscience
At Twin Science, our mission is to nurture students’ STEM and AI skills responsibly. We believe AI must be taught hand-in-hand with critical thinking and compassion.
Here’s how our STEM for Sustainability curriculum helps prevent risks like AI psychosis:
1- Demystifying AI
Students learn how AI works — algorithms, data, and limitations — so they don’t mistake simulation for consciousness.
2- Hands-On Experimentation
With STEM Kits and classroom projects, students design earthquake detectors, sustainable farms, or smart canes — seeing AI as a tool, not a “mind.”
3- Educator Empowerment
Our AI-powered Educator Portal helps teachers plan lessons responsibly, with clear guardrails around ethical use.
4- Fostering Human Connection
Every AI project is tied back to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reminding learners that technology must serve real human needs, not replace human relationships.
Advice for Educators
Teach students the difference between AI outputs and human empathy.
Encourage reflection: “Does this answer feel real, or is it just convincing?”
Remind children: AI can simulate words, but not feelings.
Always balance AI use with human interaction, discussions, debates, teamwork.
Conclusion
We are at the beginning of what some researchers call “social AI”, where chatbots may play roles similar to social media. As Professor Andrew McStay from Bangor University reminds us: “While these things are convincing, they are not real… Be sure to talk to real people.”
At Twin Science, we couldn’t agree more. By combining AI literacy with sustainability education, we aim to raise a generation that is not only skilled in technology but also grounded, compassionate, and prepared to use AI for the collective good of our planet.
Ready for back-to-school? In Twin AI Spotlight #3, you’ll find the latest AI news, classroom-ready tools, and more. With teachers leading the way, Twin is by your side to grow a generation that understands AI and builds responsible technologies with it. Enjoy the read! 🌱
🧑🏫 Teacher Joe’s AI Tool Suggestion
UK computer science teacher Joe Miles introduces one of his favorite Twin tools: Worksheet. Customize by curriculum, grade, and standards; choose question count and types, and your worksheet is ready!
‘Create a back-to-school classroom activity for my 6th grade science students using the Twin AI ‘Song Lyric’ tool. The activity should help students feel welcome, encourage teamwork, and spark curiosity about science and AI. Ask students to generate a short, fun class song with Twin AI by choosing a 6th grade science theme (e.g., space, ecosystems, energy, or inventions). Provide clear step-by-step instructions to run this activity within 30–40 minutes, suggest ways to perform or present the song in class, and add 3 reflection questions that connect the song’s theme to scientific thinking and the role of AI as a creative assistant.’
Teach how AI powers autonomous & assistive vehicles to boost mobility and independence. Students compare human senses with car sensors, design accessibility solutions, and discuss transport’s CO₂ impact. Ready-to-teach activities included!
Students train a model with visuals in minutes: make silly faces, collect images, label a few classes, click Train, then test and iterate. Use it through Twin Code Lab to level up your STEM project! (No Machine Learning background needed.)
Get up to speed on the latest AI updates before school starts. From tools that give teachers back 6 weeks a year to innovations shaping the future of learning, it’s all in this short video!