Posts Tagged writing

STEM Tuesday — Robotics and Artificial Intelligence– Author Interview

STEM Tuesday– Robotics and Artificial Intelligence — Interview with Author Darcy Pattison

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math!

Today we’re interviewing Darcy Pattison, author of A.I.: How Patterns Helped Artificial Intelligence Defeat World Champion Lee Sedol It’s a fascinating look at the use of artificial intelligence and how a common board game was used to demonstrate that, in some cases, a computer might possess superior skill levels.

Kirkus Reviews calls it, “An enthralling, contemporary tale of man versus machine.”
AI Cover

 

 

 

 

 

Christine Taylor-Butler: Darcy, you’ve been in the business for quite a while and you’ve written everything from science fiction and fantasy to contemporary stories and science. When did you know you wanted to become a writer? Were there detours along the way?

Darcy Pattison: I have always been a reader! In sixth grade, I read THE LORD OF THE RINGS (the Harry Potter of my day), and even then, I thought about being on the flip side of the story. I wanted to write stories that people love to read. But I also grew up questioning everything so science writing is a natural fit for me, too.

CTB: You’ve been published by a number of trade publishers. What lead you to create Mims House?

Darcy: In the last twenty years, publishing has changed because of technology. The introduction of ebooks and print-on-demand services means that publishing a book is a low-cost investment up-front. It meant I could publish the books that I was passionate about and bring them to market myself. I had a long history in the industry and knew what pitfalls to avoid and where to focus attention. It’s been a hard journey, but I’m thrilled to be still publishing books of my heart.

CTB: Long before STEM was a trend in children’s literature, you developed a track record for writing well received nonfiction. Where did you get the idea for writing about the board game match between AlphaGo and Lee Sedol?

Darcy: A.I.: How Patterns Helped Artificial Intelligence Defeat World Champion Lee Sedol was written when I got interested in A.I. I’m always looking kid-friendly ways to approach a topic. When I realized this story featured a world champion board game player, I thought it would appeal to kids. This game was actually a pivotal game in the development of A.I Before this, programmers tried to write rules for artificial intelligence programs. For example, they might write a rule on how to identify a photo of a cat.

Sample rules:
A cat has a round face and triangular ears.
A cat has a tail.

It worked up to a point. But what if the cat is curled up sleeping? Or perhaps, it’s stretched out to run hard as it chases a rat? It required too many rules to deal with all the positions a cat might take, and all the exceptions to the rules.

Instead, artificial intelligence today works because we provide thousands of images to a computer program, a big dataset. Each image is labeled either CAT or NOT CAT. The program analyzes the images and creates its own mathematical formula for identifying a cat.

The AlphaGo program was the first time such an A.I. program was used to challenge a human in a complicated board game. Amazingly, it won four out of five times. Also amazing—Lee Sedol, the world champion, found a way to defeat the A.I. once. The series of games redefined our relationship to A.I.

Note to readers: A documentary about the AI program and the match with Lee Sedol can be found on Youtube: AlphaGo: The Movie.

Lee Sedol 1 Overhead of Go

 

 

 

 

 

CTB: The illustrations are so fun, as is the layout of the book. How did you find that illustrator?

Darcy: Yes, Peter Willis is amazing! He has illustrated ten books with me now because his distinctive digital collages are fun and funny for kids. I first saw his portfolio on Behance.net, the Adobe social media program where artists display portfolios. Look for more about Peter Willis and his work here: https://mimshousebooks.com/blogs/books/willis1

Meet the man

 

 

 

 

CTB: There’s a lot of concern now about AI eventually being able to do more than play games. But I love that you explain that even the phones in our pockets are partially fueled by AI technology. For example, I’m a frequent user of “Siri” and my Mac laptops as far back as OS9 were voice activated and had a digital assistant.  Did you have any “aha!” moments when researching this book?

Darcy: It was fascinating to dig into the discussion of A.I. technology. Understanding the difference in the two types of approaches to A.I. helps me make decisions about how I choose to use A.I. The rules-based approach was ultimately unusable because there are too many exceptions to any rule. When A.I. analyzes big datasets, though, it can mathematically account for exceptions. It’s a brilliant solution that means A.I. can tackle a wide variety of questions. For example, from a photo, it can predict if a mole is likely to be cancerous. Or, it can help create a chemical formula for a new medicine.

One problem with A.I. is that need for big datasets. Where will programmers find the data to feed into the program? Current lawsuits revolve around the allegedly illegal use of their copyrighted or patented information. Artists object to their copyrighted images being used to train A.I., and authors object to their copyrighted novels and writings being used to train A.I.

For me, that “aha” moment was understanding how current A.I. works. It’s easier to see how the programs can help my work or fit into a lesson plan when I understand that it’s trained on selected big datasets.

CTB: Your book ran into a roadblock at the US Copyright office. In scanning the text the office assumed the book was illustrated by A.I. rather than a real person. Can you tell our readers a bit about that experience? 

Darcy: The US Copyright has decided to check books to see if a book might include text or images created by A.I. I applaud this careful look at the books! However for my A.I. book, they asked if A.I. had been used to create the book. Just because the topic of the book is artificial intelligence doesn’t mean I used A.I. to create it! After I answered their question, they came back again and asked about this specific page of the book.

AI Example page

Here, the illustrator Pete Willis is demonstrating that some common objects are or are not based on A.I. programing. We know that artificial intelligence can be used for some cell phones, robots, and video games. But cats, ice cream and board games are not based on A.I. The US Copyright office specifically asked, though, if the images labeled “A.I.” had been created using an A.I. program.

“No,” I answered, “Peter Willis illustrated the entire book, even those labeled A.I.”

They accepted my answer and the book’s copyright was approved without any further questions.

CTB: I love that you call yourself, “Queen of Revisions” in your biography. Do you have any advice for young writers who might want to follow in your footsteps?

Darcy: Over the years, I have learned that I need to revise many times. When kids ask me how many revisions I do for a project, I answer, “Until it’s right.”

It’s not a matter of getting it right in three tries. It’s getting it right that matters.

If you want to write, read! Read everything you can, putting information and language into your memories so that when you need it, the words are there to draw upon.

CTB: Thanks for being such a gracious guest. What’s up next? Any projects or books you’d like readers to watch for?

Magnet coverDarcy: Peter Willis and I are collaborating on a new book, MAGNET: How William Gilbert Discovered that Earth is a Great Magnet. The story goes back to the middle of the 1600s when scientists were first figuring out what a magnet was. Gilbert gathered lodestones, natural magnetic stones, from around the world: from Greece came red and black lodestones; from Spain came white lodestones; Chinese lodestones were dark blood-red, while Ethiopian lodestones were amber or yellowish.

We follow the natural phenomena of stones that attract other stones as scientists start to unravel and make sense of the strange properties of the stones. Look for the book in April, 2024.

 

*****

Darcy headshotDarcy Pattison is the author of science books for kids, writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Five books have received starred PW, Kirkus, or BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, three Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book (CA Reading Assn.), two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, an Arkansiana Award, and the Susannah DeBlack Arkansas Children’s History Book award. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature. Her books have been translated into ten languages. Always active, before her tenth birthday, she (almost) climbed the Continental Divide, turning back at the last twenty yards because it was too steep and great climbing shoes hadn’t been invented yet. She once rode a bicycle down a volcano in Bali, Indonesia and has often hiked the Rockies. She recently hiked New Zealand’s backcountry for a taste of Kiwi life, and then strolled the beaches of Australia. On her bucket list is kayaking the Nā Pali Coast of Hawaii and eating curry in Mumbai. Follow her: @FictionNotes on Twitter and @DarcyPattison on Instagram.

author christine Taylor-butler

Photo by Kecia Stovall

Your host is Christine Taylor-Butler, a graduate of MIT and author of Save the… (Tigers, Blue Whales, Polar Bears)  with Chelsea Clinton and many other nonfiction books for kids. She is also the author of the STEM-based middle grade sci-fi series The Lost Tribes. Christine was appointed as an MLK Visiting Scholar for the 2023-2024 academic year at MIT focused on STEM and children’s literacy. Follow @ChristineTB on Twitter/X, @ctaylorbutler on Bluesky or @ChristineTaylorButler on Instagram. She lives in Missouri with a tank of fish and cats that think they are dogs.

STEM Tuesday — Robotics and Artificial Intelligence– Writing Tips & Resources

AI & Robots Activities

When beginning to research this month’s topics (AI & Robots) I needed to look no further than my own writers’ group. Longtime member George Anthony Kulz is our resident technical guru with books out about both topics. And he is a prime example for the success strategies of STEAM. While he uses his technical skills and knowledge for his work, he has also been honing his creative writing skills. Combining the two has resulted in a complementary career as a children’s book author, showing how important it is to balance the sciences with the arts.

I asked George several questions about his writing and how he got there. At the end of this article, there are some resources for kid activities that combine visual art, writing, and science.

You have been asked to write a number of books about technology. How did you come by your interest and knowledge?

I have always been interested in technology since I was a kid. My dad worked as an electronics technician and loved learning about new technology. He passed that interest on to me. I mostly do my own research on new technology. I also hold a B.S. and a M.S. in Computer Engineering and have worked as a software engineer since 1993. I am currently enrolled in a computer science program at Johnson and Wales University to learn about the latest developments in computer science today and to refresh my existing knowledge.

AI in the Real World cover image

You are not only an experienced computer scientist, you are also an accomplished and imaginative writer. You write middle grade ghost stories. Do you think technology and creative writing can be partners?

There are a lot of similarities between developing technology and developing a story, and certainly knowing one can definitely help with the other.

For both, you are trying to solve a problem. When developing technology, the problem is a real-world problem, like: how do I land a rocket on the moon? When developing a story, the problem is an imaginary one and most likely your main character’s problem, like: how is Myles going to catch that ghost that’s been hanging around the graveyard down the street?

To solve a problem, you need a set of steps to get there. Related to technology, that set of steps is called an algorithm. In a story, it’s called a plot. In both the development of technology and a story, there may be a series of smaller problems that need to be overcome in order to move step-by-step to the solution. Keep in mind that, in order to stay focused, every step in building technology and building a story should take you (or your character) closer and closer to the goal of solving the problem.

Setbacks are inevitable when trying to accomplish anything. Maybe in the real world, they’re not fun and can be frustrating. In the story’s imaginary world, setbacks may not be fun for the main character. But in both cases, setbacks can build character and can make the one solving the problem more determined to succeed. Keep track of these setbacks. When building technology, it’s good to write these down so you can learn from them. In your story, it’s good to write setbacks down because it helps to build suspense and keep the reader interested in your character’s journey to get to their goal.

Most important of all, though, is that in developing both technology and a story, you need to use your imagination. Some of the best technological advances came from someone’s creativity. Just like some of the best stories.

What kinds of activities did you do as a kid that channeled you into a technology career as well as having interest in writing for kids?

One thing that most affected my decision to go into a technology field was a Christmas gift my dad gave me when I was very young. It was a kit of electronic parts that, when put together, made a real working radio. Another was playing home video games and wondering how they worked and how I could create some of my own.

My love of stories came from my mom, who read to me almost from the day I was born. My love of writing definitely came from one of my elementary school teachers. I developed a love of language because he constantly challenged me to learn new words and encouraged me to read well beyond my grade level. It was in his class that I wrote my first short story, and I fell in love with the idea of writing from that point on.

Hobby & Competition Robots cover

Do you have advice for kids who would like to do the same?

First, understand that you can do more than one thing. A person is not just a software engineer. They’re also not just a writer. In fact, there are no limits to what a person can do. Just remember to do what makes you happy. If you want to be a dancer and also fix cars, do both. If you want to be a teacher and also fly airplanes, do both. In my case, I like to create software and also like to write. When someone asked me if I could write a book about some software topics, I thought: Wow, what a great idea. I never thought of that before. I had found a way to do both of my favorite things at the same time!

Once you find those things that make you happy, learn everything you can about them, however you can, from whomever you can. Find others who share the same excitement about those things that excite you. It’s always better when you do things with others. Plus, you can always learn something from anyone you meet.

Then, once you think you know enough, go out and do those things. Don’t be afraid to fail. It builds character. You can learn from your mistakes. You can always (and probably will) do better next time. And who knows? Doing those things that you love may take you to some interesting places that you never imagined.

Thank you, George, for insightful advice! Here are the links for the two books above.

https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-Intelligence-Real-World-Set-ebook and Hobby-Competition-Robots-Robot-Innovations.

For more activities, I went to Teachers Pay Teachers, a website of sharing teaching activities. It offers both free and paid materials developed by teachers. I found a number of art, writing, and robot projects for different age groups. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/

Friendly Robot image
Energy Robot image
Descriptive Writing image

And think about George’s advice – do what makes you happy. The arts are a path to enjoyment of sciences, as well as increased learning and invention. Remember STEAM!

Margo Lemieux and George Kulz are members of The Magic Storymakers, a children’s writing group that was started in 1998. They both have stories in Kaleidoscope for Kids, an anthology with contributions from members of the group (and Margo has art too).

Credits

The Knitted Apple (Energy Robot)

 

Happily Ever Elementary   

(Friendly Robot)

Redfly Classroom

(Descriptive Writing Robots)

STEM Tuesday — Robotics and Artificial Intelligence– In the Classroom

 

Not long ago, robots and artificial intelligence were the imagination of science fiction books and movies. Yet every day, advances in technology, robotics, and engineering are making them a reality! The book suggestions this month put a spotlight on the history of robotics and artificial intelligence and are a great starting point for classroom discussions and activities.

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgBots! Robotics Engineering: With Hands-One Makerspace Activities
by Kathy Ceceri and Lena Chandhok

This book explores how robots play a vital role in our world. It details the history and theory of programming and robotics, and includes many hands-on robotics projects that help children learn design, engineering, and coding. It is beautifully formatted and fun to read.

Classroom Activity
This book is full of activities that can be adapted for the classroom. One activity asks students to build a simple tilt sensor with LED lights. It can be made with household objects such as an index card, aluminum foil, tape, 2 LED lights, and a 3-volt battery. Students can build and test the sensor. Then have them decide what, if any, improvements they would make to the sensor design? How could a sensor like this be used in the real world?

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgNational Geographic Kids Everything Robotics: All the Photos, Facts, and Fun to Make You Race for Robots
by Jen Swanson

Robots don’t simply occupy the space of fiction these days, as they have infiltrated everyday life. Robots can fix aircrafts, dance, tell jokes, and even clean your carpet! Swanson gives a great history of robotics and adds a section of the future of robotics. Fantastic writing along with eye catching visuals.

Classroom Activity
Many times, scientists have turned to nature to come up with unique robot designs. Now it is your turn. Have students design and sketch their own robot inspired by nature. What part of nature inspired their robot? What problem does it solve or job does it do?

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgRobot
by Lucy Rogers

Get up close and personal with more than 100 different robots, from automata to androids. This browsable book from DK is divided into sections based on different jobs the robots perform, like rescuing people after natural disasters, packing food in factories, and taking care of hospital patients. Each spread features captivating, full-color photo illustrations as well as essential statistics and facts about each robot.

Classroom Activity
Robots are all around us. What robots are in your daily life? Have students make a list of the robots they encounter every day – at school, at home, at the mall, and more. What jobs do these robots perform? What are the benefits of these robots? What are the drawbacks? Have students brainstorm ideas for a new robot at school. What would the robot do? What would it look like? How would it help students and teachers?

More Robot Fun

Want to watch a few robots in action? Take a look at these videos:

Warehouse Robots at Work

Robot Ai-Da Creates Art

Robot Dancing

*************************************

Carla Mooney loves to explore the world around us and discover the details about how it works. An award-winning author of numerous nonfiction science books for kids and teens, she hopes to spark a healthy curiosity and love of science in today’s young people. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and dog. Find her at http://www.carlamooney.com, on Facebook @carlamooneyauthor, or on Twitter @carlawrites.