Rule-Based Systems Worksheet for High School AI Curriculum

📚 Topic Summary

Rule-based systems are a fundamental concept in Artificial Intelligence, especially in areas like expert systems and decision-making. They work by using a set of 'if-then' rules to make decisions or draw conclusions based on available data. These rules are typically created by human experts and programmed into the system. For example, 'IF the temperature is below freezing AND precipitation is present, THEN expect snow'. These systems excel at tasks requiring logical deduction based on specific knowledge.

They contrast with machine learning approaches that learn patterns from large datasets. Rule-based systems offer transparency because the reasoning behind decisions is easily traceable through the rules. This makes them valuable in situations where understanding the decision-making process is crucial, such as medical diagnosis or financial risk assessment.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with the correct definition:

1. Term: Inference Engine
2. Term: Knowledge Base
3. Term: Rule
4. Term: Expert System
5. Term: Antecedent

1. Definition: A conditional statement that defines a relationship.
2. Definition: The 'IF' part of an 'IF-THEN' rule.
3. Definition: A computer program designed to mimic the decision-making ability of a human expert.
4. Definition: The component that applies the rules in the knowledge base to infer new information.
5. Definition: A repository of facts and rules about a specific domain.

📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph using these words: rules, reasoning, knowledge, decisions, expert.

Rule-based systems are a form of AI that relies on explicitly defined __________. These systems use a process of __________ to arrive at __________ based on the available __________. An __________ system is one example, aiming to replicate the skills of a human professional.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Describe a real-world scenario where using a rule-based system would be more advantageous than using a machine learning approach. Explain your reasoning.