STEMWorkflowsAI

Frameworks

Three frameworks for AI in the STEM classroom

Each one solves a different problem: how to plan with AI, how to write a good prompt, and how students should and shouldn't use it. Here's what each one is and when to use it.

For planning and design

The 3-Step Chain

A single prompt asks AI to do everything at once. The 3-Step Chain splits the job into three steps, the way you'd plan a unit yourself.

  • ArchitectGenerate options and outlines. See the alternatives before you commit to one.
  • BuilderTake the option you picked and draft the full material, with your requirements and limits.
  • InspectorCheck the draft for alignment, accessibility, accuracy, and gaps. Fix what it finds.

Use it for lesson series, labs and safety protocols, differentiated readings, and assessments.

  1. Architect

    Explore options before you commit

    List 5 common misconceptions 10th graders have about chemical bonding, ranked by how often they show up.

  2. Builder

    Draft the material you picked

    Using misconception #2, ionic vs. covalent bonding, build a 3-day lesson series that uses electronegativity as the bridge. Include one hands-on activity with household materials.

  3. Inspector

    Audit it and fix the gaps

    Audit this lesson for UDL: engagement, representation, and action and expression. For each gap, suggest one specific fix.

For writing prompts

The CARE Framework

Four things every good prompt includes. If the output misses, one of the four is usually missing.

  • CClear instructionsSay exactly what you want: how many, how long, what format, and what to leave out.
  • AAudience definedDescribe the students: grade, reading level, prior knowledge, and the limits you're working within.
  • RRole assignedTell the AI what expert to act as and how the output should be organized.
  • EEvaluation criteria includedGive it the rubric, the success criteria, or an example of the quality you expect.

For student AI use

The Traffic Light Framework

Label each assignment with a zone so students know exactly what AI use is allowed. It replaces a blanket ban or a free-for-all with a rule they can follow.

  • Red zone"Me Mode": no AI allowed
    • High-stakes tests
    • Reflections
    • Demonstrating mastery
  • Yellow zone"Co-Pilot Mode": guided AI use
    • Brainstorming
    • Outlining
    • Getting unstuck
  • Green zone"Editor Mode": AI encouraged
    • Grammar check
    • Debugging code
    • Translation

Members · coming soon

The full method

This page covers what each framework is. The member library will teach how to run them: the full prompt sequences, the Inspector checklists, worked examples for chemistry, biology, physics, and math, and classroom-ready Traffic Light materials.

Start with the free version

The AI Chain Cheat Sheet puts the 3-Step Chain on one page with a starter prompt for each step. You'll be the first to hear when the member library opens.

Get the free cheat sheet