Stanford CRAFTHow efficient is the human brain compared to AI?
As large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT become central to how people think, work, and create, we must ask: how efficient is AI really? In this lesson, students will compare the energy, time, space, and cost efficiency of LLMs to the human brain using rough “back-of-the-envelope” calculations. These explorations launch a Socratic dialogue about the ethical implications of widespread AI adoption. The lesson integrates physics, ethics, and critical thinking, empowering students to interpret data and form their own opinions on AI’s role in society.
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Teacher Reviews for this resource: How efficient is the human brain compared to AI?
“This resource is an excellent inquiry based lesson that asks students to pause throughout as they complete their own calculations based on the discussion at that time of the class.”
“This lesson naturally integrates Math, Science and Technology. Solving problems that are applicable to the discussion is so motivating for students.”
“I think students would really enjoy the real-world connection to their problem solving.”