The SDGs in the Classroom Toolkit

AI Resources + the SDGs

AI resources and tools that instructors can use to plan, deliver, and share with students. 

Guidelines for Gen AI

General AI Resources

  • AI for Good Simulator by Microsoft  is a simulation platform allows students to model complex scenarios and predict the impacts of various interventions related to the SDGs, such as poverty, health, and sustainability.
  • Assessment Partner from McMaster University and the MacPherson Institute. This is a proof of concept application that employs Gen AI and a multi-agent approach to craft assessments aligned with teaching objectives. Designed with educational best practices in mind, the interface streamlines the development of unique, outcome-focused assessments. It provides educators with a powerful tool to enhance learning engagement and achievement.
  • DeepMind though primarily a research entity, the AI tools and methodologies developed here can be studied and potentially applied by students to address energy efficiency (SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy) or health issues (SDG 3).
  • Earth Engine by Google is a tool for environmental monitoring and analysis. Students can use it to analyze large datasets related to earth's surface, which is beneficial for SDGs focused on climate action, life below water, and life on land.
  • Google AI for Social Good aims to help address some of the world's biggest challenges. They provide tools and funding for projects that create positive impacts, which can be incorporated into educational content.
  • Microsoft AI School provides free learning materials and programming tools for AI education. Although not a tool in itself, it enables the learning and application of AI in projects targeting diverse SDGs. Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 (Quality Education), along with others depending on the application developed through learning.
  • Read The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by R. Vinuesa, H. Azizpour, I. Leite, M. Balaam, V. Dignum, S. Domisch, A. Felländer, S.D. Langhans, M. Tegmark & F. Fuso Nerini in Nature 2020.

Inclusive Design and AI

  • Google Docs Voice Typing allows people to use their voice to type and edit documents.
  • Ludia = UDL + AI Designed by Beth Stark and Jérémie Rostan. Ludia is an AI-powered UDL partner, can help you reduce learning barriers and discover ways to support all learners.
  • Read the Framework for Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education and in French. The framework is from the Inclusive Design and Research Centre at OCAD.
  • TPGI is a free colour contrast checker to optimize content that includes text and visual elements for individuals with color-blindness or low vision impairments.
  • Visit UDLPal a guide to inclusive and accessible learning. Whether you're an educator, student, or advocate, UDLPal offers personalized support and resources. Designed by Afsaneh Sharif and Lucas Wright from the University of British Columbia.

Discipline-Specific AI Resources for the SDGs

Environmental & Urban Change and Geography

  • AI for Climate is a global initiative that leverages AI technologies to address climate change and to foster the transition to renewable energy, consistent with SDG 13 and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
  • BreezoMeter provides real-time air quality data using AI algorithms, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by enabling better environmental health monitoring.
  • Global Forest Watch offers data and tools to monitor forest conditions in real time using AI and satellite imagery, supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) by aiding in forest conservation and reduced deforestation.
  • Gringgo.co uses AI to enhance waste collection and recycling by optimizing routes and identifying the types of recyclables collected, contributing to smarter waste management.
  • OceanMind uses AI to help enforce regulations to combat illegal fishing, supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
  • Pachama  uses machine learning to verify carbon capture and monitor reforestation projects, which aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)
  • PlantVillage Nuru is a tool uses machine learning models on a smartphone app to diagnose plant diseases in crops, helping farmers avoid significant yield losses and supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
  • Rainforest Connection uses AI to analyze audio data captured in rainforests to prevent illegal logging and poaching, directly contributing to SDG 15 as well.
  • The Ocean Cleanup  uses AI to optimize clean-up systems to remove plastics from the oceans, directly supporting the achievement of SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
  • Wildme is an AI tool for wildlife research that uses data science for conservation purposes, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land). It relies on pattern recognition and machine learning to track animal populations.

Math and Statistics

  • DataRobot is an enterprise AI platform which can be used to harness predictive analytics for a variety of SDG-related projects, such as assessing and predicting economic growth or health outcomes across populations. Example from their Resource Library of Anacostia Riverkeeper Uses DataRobot to Predict Water Quality in the Anacostia River
  • Gapminder Tools offers a suite of data visualization tools that help debunk common misconceptions about global development. It includes resources and quizzes that make learning about world trends and SDG-related topics engaging and interactive. Visualizing development data, engaging students with interactive quizzes and discussions.
  • Seaborn is a Python data visualization library. It provides a high-level interface for drawing attractive and informative statistical graphics.
  • TensorFlow is an open-source software library for numerical computation using data flow graphs, widely used in machine learning and deep learning applications. Applicable across various SDGs depending on the specific projects, such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through agricultural data prediction models, or SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through waste sorting and reduction models.
  • Zindi is a data science competition platform based in Africa that hosts challenges aimed at solving Africa’s most pressing problems, including those related to various SDGs. It's an excellent way for students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Sciences

  • Kaggle is a platform for data science competitions, Kaggle can be used in an educational setting to encourage students to solve real-world issues aligned with the SDGs using AI and machine learning. It offers free access to computational environments (Kernels), along with a vast library of datasets and competitions. Students can engage in SDG-related projects by participating in competitions aimed at solving real-world issues.
  • OceanMind uses AI to help enforce regulations to combat illegal fishing, supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Social Work