ARTIFICIAL LIFE CONTEST A Tool for Informal Teaching of Artificial Intelligence

This work reports an experience in using an Artificial Life competitive game that simulates an artificial life environment for unstructured and informal Artificial Intelligence (AI) teaching to students from computer science engineering careers. The game consists of a simulated Petri dish where two colonies of microorganisms-software agents-must struggle to survive. To achieve this goal, the participants must implement surviving strategies for their agents, which include fighting strategies and basic reproduction rules to prevail over all the artificial environment. The technical bases of the contest as well as a description of the artificial life model are explained in detail. The pedagogical experience acquired in the contest development is discussed, as well as the resulting learning experience, which generated students enthusiasm and has helped them to develop mental models of possible AI algorithms.