How did West Hempstead use AI in their Cupcake Wars?

Eighth graders in West Hempstead’s family and consumer science course put their culinary skills to the test competing in a Cupcake War.

“They had to create an AI generated design for a cupcake using prompts, which demonstrate cause and effect,” said Stacy Gulisano, who teaches family and consumer science. “We’re trying to create digital literacy platforms that children can use in a very positive way through education, and not as a simple easy-out.”

The students spent about four weeks on this project. They began by using AI-generations for cupcake design inspiration. After choosing a design, the students baked their cupcakes and physically designed them to match their AI-design.

They also built cupcake displays out of found items, such as cardboard and tubes, before designing the displays to match the themes of their cupcakes. The students also had to create a marketing flyer to advertise their cupcakes

Gulisano was inspired to create this project after taking a graduate level class on AI.

“I didn’t really know much about AI and I wanted to empower myself to learn more about it,” she said. “When I learned more I realized that children really need to be educated on AI and how to use it effectively, not just for plagiarism or doing the work for them.”

“I want the kids to go forward in their educational journeys able to use it for good and to elevate their learning, not necessarily just for cheating,” shared Gulisano.

The cupcakes were judged based on the AI-generated cupcake design, the physical cupcake execution, construction of the cupcake display, the advertising flier and how well the students present and explain their cupcakes. Judges included teachers and administrators from throughout the secondary school.