Explained cold fusion to a 5-year-old: Claude AI, GPT-5, Gemini, and Copilot compared, revealing which delivered the most understandable explanation
Four artificial intelligence models, ChatGPT (GPT-5), Microsoft Copilot, Claude AI, and Gemini 2.5 Flash, have been tested on their ability to explain cold fusion in a kid-friendly manner. Each model approaches the task with varying degrees of success, offering a mix of accurate explanations and kid-friendly illustrations.
Explaining Cold Fusion to Five-Year-Olds
The author posed a challenge to the AI models, asking them to explain cold fusion like a five-year-old and include kid-friendly illustrations.
ChatGPT (GPT-5)
ChatGPT provided an explanation that, while accurate, may be difficult for a five-year-old to grasp due to the use of complex terms like "atoms," "hydrogen," and "helium." Although it did offer an illustration, the image lacked contextual clarity for the child and might confuse rather than help.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot offered a notably good explanation with a clearer approach to core concepts about cold fusion suitable for young children. It features "Copilot Appearance," an animated cloud with facial expressions and gestures that could serve as an engaging, kid-friendly “visual companion” during the explanation. These dynamic visuals respond in real-time, making the learning experience more interactive.
Claude AI
Claude AI explained cold fusion in a way that was generally better than ChatGPT’s but less detailed than Copilot’s. Its approach was more thorough, and it included illustrations with the explanation, though the style and simplicity level were not highlighted as much as with Copilot or ChatGPT.
Gemini 2.5 Flash
Gemini provided explanations and illustrations but focused more on combining clear text with accompanying pictures for children. The illustrations aimed to support understanding but detail on their exact style or effectiveness compared to others was minimal.
Comparing Illustration Styles
| AI Model | Explanation Quality for Kids | Illustration Type | |----------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | ChatGPT (GPT-5)| Accurate but some complex terms | Simple image; lacks contextual support | | Microsoft Copilot | Clear, well-structured explanation | Animated facial expressions (dynamic visuals) | | Claude AI | Good, more thorough than ChatGPT | Included illustrations; style less detailed | | Gemini 2.5 Flash| Clear with balanced text and images | Kid-friendly pictures accompanying text |
In essence, Microsoft Copilot leads with more engaging, understandable explanations and dynamic, personality-driven visual aids, whereas ChatGPT and Claude AI rely more on static images and text whose kid-friendliness varies. Gemini tries for a balanced approach. None fully provide traditional static illustrations tailored specifically as simple children’s drawings but instead integrate various visual elements to assist comprehension.
The Guide: Cold Fusion for Kids!
Claude AI far outperformed the other models in creating an interactive artifact called "Cold Fusion for Kids!". The guide is simple, clear, and fun, but lacks one cute illustration of how Cold Fusion might work. Nonetheless, it serves as an excellent starting point for children to understand the concept of cold fusion.
[1]: "Comparing AI Models: Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini" - [source] [2]: "Evaluating AI Models: A Kid-Friendly Approach" - [source]
- Technology and artificial intelligence, as demonstrated in the test of cold fusion explanations, can offer engaging and educational experiences for children. For instance, Microsoft Copilot’s use of an animated cloud as a visual companion exhibits a creative application of technology in child-friendly learning.
- While each AI model presented kid-friendly illustrations during the cold fusion explanation, the approaches varied significantly. For example, ChatGPT and Claude AI mainly used static images, whereas Gemini focused on integrating illustrations with text, and Microsoft Copilot employed an animated character for a more interactive learning experience.
