Decision tree guessing game: an AI and logic activity for kids

Computers make decisions by following rules, and some AI systems learn their own decision trees from data. Building one by hand shows children how a computer can "guess" without understanding anything at all.

• Ages: 8–13
• Time: 30 minutes
• Skill: Logic and decision trees

What you need

• A large sheet of paper
• Pencils or pens
• A list of 8 animals

Step by step

1. Pick 8 animals. For example: cat, eagle, shark, frog, cow, penguin, snake, butterfly.
2. Write the first question. At the top of the page, write one yes/no question that splits the animals into two groups, such as "Can it fly?"
3. Branch out. Draw two arrows, yes and no, and write a new question for each group.
4. Keep splitting. Continue until every branch ends with just one animal.
5. Test it. Think of an animal from the list. Answer the questions and see if the tree guesses it.
6. Break it. Try an animal not on the list, like a bat. Does the tree get it wrong? Why?

What your child learns

How to ask questions that split information efficiently, how computers follow decision paths, and why a system only knows what it was built or trained on: an animal it never saw can break it.

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: use 4 animals.
• Harder: use 16 animals and try to use as few questions as possible.

This activity is a taste of our free AI Explorers workshop (ages 7–10). Older children can take Artificial Intelligence for Kids.