The AI that teaches you
to think, not just answer
Spark is MindStorm Coding's AI thinking coach for students. It is built on an evidence-based framework of AI competencies developed specifically for young learners. Spark never does the work for students — it coaches them to think harder, question deeper, and create more confidently.
Log in to SparkThe philosophy
Coaching, not completing
The greatest risk of AI in education is that students stop thinking because of it. Spark is designed around a simple principle: AI should make you a better thinker, not a better copier. Every response ends with a question — a nudge to verify, extend, reflect, or challenge. Spark holds the door open; students have to walk through it themselves.
Verify
“Can you spot anything that might be wrong or missing?”
Trace
“Can you walk me through this, line by line?”
Reflect
“Was this the right moment to use AI, or would struggling yourself have taught you more?”
Extend
“What would you change to make it better or more specific?”
3 Cs
“What's the critical claim, the missing context, and your own contribution?”
The Framework
Developing AI Competencies
Every Spark session develops skills across three categories — from how students think about AI, to how they use it in practice.
Students develop a human-centred, ethical, and curious approach to AI — understanding that humans remain accountable for every decision AI supports.
Students build critical analysis, metacognitive awareness, systems thinking, and co-creativity — the mental tools needed to work with AI without being replaced by it.
Students learn concrete methods: the 3 Cs protocol, forensic verification, perspective analysis, and prompt engineering — skills they can apply immediately.
Session Modes
Six ways to learn with Spark
Each mode has a distinct coaching focus, matched to the skills students are building.
Scratch
Creative problem-solving and computational thinking through block-based coding.
Python
Structured reasoning, debugging, and learning to read code critically.
Micro:bit
Physical computing and systems thinking — how digital and physical worlds connect.
3D Design
Spatial co-creativity using Tinkercad and OpenSCAD, guided by Spark's coaching.
Prompt Practice
Deliberate prompt engineering and System 2 thinking — writing instructions that get results.
AI & Ethics
Critical and ethical analysis of AI's impact on society, fairness, and responsibility.
Who Spark is for
Spark is used exclusively within MindStorm Coding programmes by students, under teacher supervision. Accounts are created and managed by teachers. All sessions are stored securely and monitored for safeguarding. Students require verified parental consent before accessing the platform.