AI Tutor inspired by "Brave New Words"

I have been reading a book, "Brave New Words," by Salman Khan of Khan Academy, and I got inspired to design an AI tutor (named Maia) for my daughter.

I asked my daughter (name replaced with Dear) to think about the questions she wants to ask over the day and write them down in her notebook.

I could explain at length the details, but the transcript (lightly corrected for readability) says it all...

My daughter: 

If animals evolved from animals, what was the first animal?

Maia (ChatGPT):

That’s such a thoughtful question, Dear! 🐾

The very first animal was likely a soft, simple sea creature called Dickinsonia that lived over 550 million years ago. It had no eyes or bones—just a flat body that wiggled along the ocean floor like jelly on a plate!

Scientists think it was one of the first animals because it had cholesterol—something only animals make. Before that, life was mostly teeny tiny cells, like bacteria and algae.

Polish word for animal is  zwierzę.

What’s one thing you learned and one thing you’ll try next?

My daughter:

What was the first animal who had bones then?

Maia (ChatGPT):

Great follow-up, Dear! 🦴

The first animal with real bones was likely a tiny armored fish called Haikouichthys, swimming around 525 million years ago. It was just 1 inch long, had a backbone, and looked like a mix between a tadpole and a mini eel!

It’s one of the oldest vertebrates—animals with a spine. That little swimmer is part of your ancient family tree!

Polish phrase for backbone is kręgosłup.  

Want to draw Haikouichthys as a kawaii fish fossil? 🐟  

What do you think gave it an advantage in the sea?

My daughter:

Because it is very hard to propel yourself when you do not have bones.

Maia (ChatGPT):

Exactly, Dear! Bones—especially a spine—act like a strong but bendy paddle. They let animals swim faster, wiggle better, and protect soft organs too. Jellyfish float, but bony fish zoom! 🐠💨

Want to “teach Maia”: How would you design a sea creature with no bones but super speed?

My daughter:

How about squids?

Maia (ChatGPT):

Awesome question—squids are boneless speedsters! 🦑

Instead of bones, they use water jets! They suck in water and blast it out like a rocket engine. That’s called jet propulsion. Their soft bodies stay bendy for squeezing into tight spots.

Polish word for “water” is woda.

My daughter:

How old are squids and octopuses?

Maia (ChatGPT):

Squids and octopuses have been around for over 300 million years—way before dinosaurs! 🐙🦑 Their great-great-great grandparents swam ancient oceans when land was mostly ferns and bugs.

Polish phrase for “very old” is bardzo stare.

What do you think helped them survive so long—camouflage, ink, or brains?

My daughter:

Does ichthys relate to fish? (I guided her to ask this question)

Maia (ChatGPT):

Yes! Ichthys (ΙΧΘΥΣ) is the ancient Greek word for “fish.” 🐟  

It’s where we get words like ichthyology, which means “the study of fish.”

Fun fact: In early Christian times, “Ichthys” also stood for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” using the Greek letters.

Polish word for “fish” is ryba.

Would you like to explore other ancient Greek words that became science names?

My daughter:

Is haikou related to short Japanese poem? (I guided her to ask this question)

Maia (ChatGPT):

That’s a super smart thought, Dear! 🌸

But no—Haikouichthys isn’t related to a haiku (the short Japanese poem).  

The name Haikou comes from Haikou, a place in China where the fossil was found. “Ichthys” means fish in Greek—so it means “Haikou fish.”

A haiku, though, is a poem with 3 lines (5‑7‑5 syllables), often about nature.

Polish word for “poem” wiersz.

Would you like to write a haiku about the ocean or ancient fish?

My daughter:

Please write me a poem.

Maia (ChatGPT):

Of course! Here's a short nature poem just for you:

A ripple glides low,  

ancient fish with silent grace—  

Stardust learns to swim.

Would you like to turn this into an illustrated poem with your own drawing? Or write your own version?

My daughter:

I am Stardust learning science.

Maia (ChatGPT):

That’s beautiful, Dear. 🌟 Let’s shape it into a little poem together:

I am Stardust, bright and small,  

learning science, loving all.  

From atoms deep to oceans wide,  

I ask, I draw, I dream, I glide.

Want to keep writing together or decorate this in your drawing style?

My daughter:

Maybe later, but I have some questions to ask right now. May I start?

Maia (ChatGPT):

Of course, Dear—ask away! I’m ready for all your curious questions. What’s first on your mind? 🌟

My daughter:

Why are days longer in summer?

Maia (ChatGPT):

Great question! 🌞 Days are longer in summer because Earth is tilted. When your part of Earth tilts toward the Sun, you get more sunlight each day—that’s summer!

Polish word for “summer”  lato.

Want to build a mini Earth‑Sun model to see the tilt in action?

My daughter:

Yes.

Maia (ChatGPT):

Awesome! 🌍☀️ Here’s a simple way to model it:

DIY Earth–Sun Tilt Model

You need:  

• A small ball (Earth)  

• A flashlight or lamp (Sun)  

• A pencil or stick (to tilt Earth)  

• A dark room

Steps:

1. Stick the pencil through the ball—tilt it like it’s leaning.

2. Turn off the lights and shine the “Sun” on Earth.

3. Slowly spin the ball and move it around the Sun in a big circle.

🌞 When the North Pole leans toward the Sun = longer days in summer!  

❄️ When it leans away = shorter days in winter.

Want to try drawing a “seasons” diagram next?

My daughter:

Draw me a picture.

Maia (ChatGPT):

Image created (not including, but it was good representation)

My daughter:

What would happen and how would it look like if the Earth was not tilted?

Maia (ChatGPT):

If Earth weren’t tilted, every place would get the same sunlight all year—no spring, summer, fall, or winter! 🌍 Just one season forever. Plants, animals, and holidays would all be different.

Polish word for “season” pora roku.

Would you like to draw or imagine a world with no seasons?

My daughter:

Why are mold and fungi unhealthy in the house?

Maia (ChatGPT):

Molds and fungi make tiny spores that float in the air. Breathing them can cause coughing, allergies, or worse—especially for kids. They grow in damp spots, like bathrooms or basements.

The Polish word for “mold” is pleśń.

Want to learn how mold helps nature, even if it’s bad indoors?

My daughter:

Yes.

Maia (ChatGPT):

In nature, mold and fungi are cleanup heroes! 🍄 They break down dead plants and trees, turning them into soil. Without them, forests would be buried in leaves forever!

The Polish word for “fungus” is grzyb.

Want to sketch a “forest clean-up crew” with mushrooms in cute vests?

Respectfully,

Uki D. Lucas
https://x.com/ukidlucas

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