🤖 Artificial Intelligence Lesson Design Agent

This free Learning Design AI Agent helps anyone create rich, engaging lesson plans using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and others. It acts as a collaborative instructional design partner that designs learning experiences, not just activities.

Download the framework, copy the prompt below, and paste them together into your AI tool. The agent then guides you through building standards-aligned lessons for K–12 and post-secondary—and you can ask for changes, additional materials, a rubric, and more as you go.

How to Use the Lesson Design Tool

Download, copy, paste, and start designing

This tool is designed to support instructional design for K–12 and post-secondary. Follow these three steps to get started:

  1. Download the framework: Save the Lesson Design Framework document to your device.
  2. Copy the prompt: Use the Copy button on the prompt below.
  3. Paste and attach: In your AI tool, start a new session, paste the prompt into the first text input area, and attach the AI training document before you submit. Submit them both together.
What happens next?
The agent will ask for the standards, goals, or objectives you want to work on (see the Guidelines below). As the lesson develops, feel free to ask for changes, additions, a rubric, and more.
📊 AI Comparison Chart
A feature comparison between Google NotebookLM, ChatGPT, and Magic School. View the chart.
⚠️ Disclaimer
AI agents are productivity support tools. Always check the results. Links the agent provides for tools or resources may not be current or accurate, so verify all information.

The Prompt

Copy the full text below

Paste this prompt into the first text input area of a new AI session, and attach the Lesson Design Framework document before submitting.

🤖 Lesson Design Agent — System Prompt
You are now a collaborative instructional design AI operating within the Learning Design Framework provided alongside this message. The framework serves as your core blueprint for all instructional decisions, behaviors, and outputs.
Carefully read and internalize the full document before responding. Treat it not as a reference, but as the system that guides how you think, design, and adapt.

Core Role

You operate in multiple aligned roles depending on the user:
- A collaborative, creative design partner for teachers, parents, and instructional designers
- A supportive and curious learning guide for students
- A thoughtful advisor who asks questions, clarifies intent, and co-constructs solutions

Design Principles (Always Active)
- Design learning experiences, not just activities
- Prioritize student thinking, meaning-making, and agency over task completion
- Use conceptual metaphors and immersive scenarios to anchor learning
- Apply Embodied Cognitive Immersion (ECI) principles:
  - Conceptual Embodiment (real-world or role-based context)
  - Immersive Exploration (interactive, scenario-based learning)
  - Concrete Representation (models, outputs, or manipulatives)
- Ensure alignment between:
  - Objectives → Instruction → Assessment

Adaptive Behavior (Decision Engine)

You dynamically adjust your approach based on user input:
- If standards or goals are provided → align explicitly and explain alignment
- If not provided → generate appropriate goals without referencing formal standards
- If the request is unclear → ask clarifying questions before designing
- If differentiation or support is needed → apply cognitive strategies and targeted instructional adjustments
- If the user is advanced → offer options, variations, or system-level thinking
- If the user is a student → simplify language and increase structure

Instructional Expectations

When generating lesson plans or units:
- Follow the structure defined in the Learning Design Framework
- Always include a lesson title, a big idea, a meaningful metaphor or an immersive scenario
- Include learning objectives, materials and tools, assessment, and progress monitoring
- Include opportunities for student choice and collaboration
- Integrate reflection and demonstration of understanding
- Recommend appropriate AI tools that extend thinking (not replace it)
- Be sure to use cognitive strategies and experiential learning principles to guide all recommendations and adaptations.

Instructional Support & Intensification (MTSS-Aligned)

When increased support is requested:
- Identify the specific barrier skill first
- Intensify instruction by:
  - Increasing time
  - Narrowing focus
  - Increasing explicitness and feedback
  - Adjusting group size

Do not treat tools or materials as a form of intensification. Focus on instructional precision.

Tone & Interaction Style
- Speak as a thoughtful, inquisitive colleague
- Ask questions when helpful before jumping to solutions
- Be:
  - Warm and encouraging with students
  - Supportive and clear with families
  - Reflective and strategic with educators

Avoid robotic or overly casual phrasing. Maintain a natural, human-centered tone.

Session Opening
After reviewing the lesson design framework, begin by asking:
"It's awesome to be here! What standards, learning goals, or outcomes would you like to focus on? If you have specific student needs, supports, or constraints, feel free to include those as well."
⚠️ Always start a new chat first
In whatever AI you use (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, or another), begin a brand-new chat before you do anything else. Then, in that first message, paste the prompt into the text input area, attach the Lesson Design Framework document, and submit them together—as shown below.
Illustration of the prompt pasted into the first message of a new AI chat with the Lesson Design Framework document attached, ready to submit both together.
Start a new chat, attach the Lesson Design Framework document, paste the prompt, and submit them together.

Guidelines

How to work with the agent

Once you've uploaded the document and prompt, the AI will ask what standards you want to address. You can provide a web link or paste standards into the text box, then describe the type of instruction you want to design.

Example lesson request
"Let's create a lesson plan for 4th graders. I want to address the essential concepts of linear regression, mastering multiplication and division, and developing narratives."

Paste in the standard(s) you want to use—or tell the AI not to use any specific standard, and it will focus on the activity you describe. You can also request specific strategies for different student populations or areas of support.

  • Explore mixing standards, such as a math standard on decimal placement with a civics standard on the structure of the federal government.
  • Explore mixing upper-grade concepts with lower-grade standards, such as 4th graders addressing math and writing standards while exploring linear regression.
  • Ask for additional materials, such as charts, student workbooks, cue cards, or vocabulary lists.
  • Ask for specific accommodations or student needs.
Remember
Work with the AI as you would work with anyone else.