Exploring Optimization Algorithms Through a Game-Based Learning Approach

Password locks are commonly used to secure personal items. They are secured by a large number of possible permutations to prevent unauthorised access. This paper presents a game that simulates the search for passwords using a genetic algorithm and enables significantly faster unlocking compared to brute force methods. In the game, players make decisions and control the algorithm, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of evolutionary mechanisms and the application of optimisation algorithms in scientific research and engineering. The game can be played by students from primary school to university, but the teaching scenarios associated with the game are adapted to the appropriate age group and educational level. The article analyses the attitudes of students who participated in the game to assess the potential of the game for popularising science and its application in the classroom.