FSU InSPIRE Announces Winners of its America 250 Challenge in AI Literacy
Florida State University’s InSPIRE, the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education, today announced the winners of their America 250 AI Challenge. The challenge was presented to the hundreds of teachers who have completed professional development courses on AI and robotics since 2024 throughout the eight Northwest Florida counties InSPIRE serves.
Lessons were submitted in observation of National AI Literacy Day and align with America’s 250-year celebration this year; teachers were invited to submit an original, AI co-designed lesson that celebrates U.S. history, culture, people, or innovation. Designed to help connect students to America’s past, present, and future, submission requirements included benchmarks, goals, objectives, procedures, and a materials list.
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“From the founding to the frontiers of AI, teachers were asked to create learning experiences that celebrate where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Carrie Meyers, InSPIRE’s Co-Director of STEM Outreach, Education and Workforce Development. “FSU InSPIRE is celebrating innovation, imagination, and learning with this America 250 AI Challenge, and we’re thrilled to recognize the exceptional educators whose creativity and commitment have made a meaningful difference.”
A total of six winning submissions were selected, with InSPIREd teachers each receiving $100 for their innovative lesson plans highlighting the collaborative power of designing with AI and the celebratory spirit of America’s 250-year anniversary.
Congratulations to:
- Neslihan Celik-George from Destin Middle School in Okaloosa County, whose lesson “AI + American Innovation: Designing the Future Like U.S. Inventors” encourages students to explore American innovators and use AI tools to co-design imaginative inventions that address real-world challenges.
- Michelle Barlow from East Milton Elementary School in Santa Rosa County who created “Innovation On the Move: America 250 Years of Innovation,” a lesson that demonstrates how American inventions from the past can inspire creative solutions to today’s challenges through historical analysis, critical thinking, and design.
- Theresa Yankovoy from Avalon Middle School, in Santa Rosa County, who designed “Making Connections Between World History and Civics: A Primary Source AI Writing Companion,” linking students to the history of STEM innovations and civic duty.
- Sarah Pena from West Navarre Primary in Santa Rosa County who brought history alive for young learners with “Kindergarten Social Studies Lesson: Retelling Stories of Character,” introducing historical figures and their character traits through engaging storytelling.
- Jenn Ruffin from Holm Elementary in Escambia County who wrote “Reach for the Stars with Mrs. Ruffin,” a lesson that inspires students to dream big and pursue their potential in space exploration.
- Angelica Espeseth from Riverside Elementary in Okaloosa County who contributed “America 250: Then, Now, Next – AI and American Innovation,” empowering students to explore the evolution of innovation using AI ethically and responsibly.
“Each of these lessons exemplifies the passion and creativity of InSPIREd educators and signals a bright future for the Northwest Florida students they teach,” added Meyers.