Workshop: Don't Get Catfished by AI

Don’t Get Catfished by AI! Can you spot a fake photo, a cloned voice, or an online profile that seems a little too perfect? As AI becomes part of everyday life, knowing what to trust matters more than ever. Join the City of Roseville at the Roseville Venture Lab for an interactive workshop designed for middle school students in grades 6–8. Through hands-on activities, games, and real-world scenarios, students will explore how AI works, learn to question what they see online, and practice using AI responsibly. No coding experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity! What students will learn • Understand AI: Explore what artificial intelligence is, how it learns, and why its answers aren’t always correct through simple, hands-on examples. • Spot AI-made content: Investigate fake images, cloned voices, and misleading profiles. Practice checking sources and asking questions before believing or sharing content. • Protect personal information: Learn what to keep private, how online activity creates a digital footprint, and how to recognize suspicious requests. • Use AI responsibly: Explore fairness, bias, and the importance of checking AI’s answers while keeping human judgment at the center. Learning through action Students will “teach the robot,” explore how machines sort and classify information, and tackle “red flag or smart move?” challenges. Each activity connects AI concepts to situations students may encounter in group chats, gaming, social media, and schoolwork. For parents and guardians This workshop helps students build critical thinking and healthy technology habits. Our goal is to give young people the confidence to question what they see, protect their information, and make thoughtful choices in a world increasingly shaped by AI. The curriculum was developed by cybersecurity and responsible AI professionals with a focus on helping children navigate technology safely. Workshop details • Who: Middle school students in grades 6–8 • Date: Friday, October 30, 2026 • Location: Roseville Venture Lab • Address: 316 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678 • Host: City of Roseville • Experience required: None Register to reserve your spot and learn how to stay curious, think critically, and avoid getting catfished by AI!