(Stossel in the Classroom, December 1, 2025)
Our Essay and Video Contests encourage students to think critically and express themselves clearly. Now, with AI tools becoming part of daily life, we’re piloting something new: A contest that asks students not just to use AI—but to challenge it.
Students will act as curious investigators and devil’s advocates, not passive consumers of information. Inspired by journalist John Stossel, the contest values curiosity, critical thinking, and the responsible use of AI.
It’s not about polished writing or slick production—it’s about asking sharp questions, digging deeper, and recognizing that AI isn’t always right. The goal is to walk away with a stronger, well-informed perspective on a meaningful issue.
How the Challenge Works
- Step 1: Choose a Prompt
- Pick one of our three prompts here.
- Step 2: Chat with AI Bot
- Step 3: Reflect
- Write 500-750 words about what you learned and how AI helped—or didn’t.
- Step 4: Submit
- Share the link to your AI conversation and submit your reflection using the buttons at the top of the page.
Tips for AI Challengers
- Pick one of the three prompts that sparks your curiosity or feels personally meaningful
- Treat your AI like a conversation partner—not just a place to get answers:
- Keep the conversation going by asking follow-ups and challenging assumptions
- Push back when answers are vague, biased, or off-track
- Dig deeper; don’t settle for superficial responses
- Use the back-and-forth to sharpen your thinking, not just collect information
- When writing your reflection, focus on what challenged your thinking, what surprised you, and what you ultimately learned.
- Make sure your chat is viewable by anyone (set to public or shareable)
- Before submitting, double-check that you’ve met all the requirements
