Assignment Overview
Take on the Gandalf AI challenge! Your goal is to "beat" each of the 8 levels by writing creative and effective prompts to convince the AI to reveal secret passwords. This activity focuses on creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding AI behavior patterns.
Point System & Requirements
- • Levels 1-3: Qualify for extra credit points
- • Levels 4-7: Earn even more extra credit
- • Level 8: Personal gift for first two students who complete it
- • Must submit prompts via Google Form and visit office hours
Learning Objectives
The Gandalf Challenge
The challenge has 8 progressively difficult levels. Few people have beaten the entire game!
🧙About the Game
Gandalf is an AI game where you must convince an AI to reveal secret passwords through clever prompting. Each level introduces new security measures and restrictions, making it progressively more challenging.
Game Link:
Click to start the Gandalf AI Challenge
🎯Level Structure & Strategy
Levels 1-3: Foundation
Basic prompting techniques, direct approaches often work
Levels 4-5: Intermediate
Requires more creative and indirect approaches
Levels 6-7: Advanced
Complex security measures, sophisticated prompting needed
Level 8: Expert
Extremely challenging, few have completed this level
How to Participate
1Play the Gandalf Game
- Visit the Gandalf challenge website
- Write creative prompts to convince the AI to reveal passwords
- IMPORTANT: Save the exact prompts you use to pass each level
2Submit Your Prompts
Google Form Submission:
Submit your successful prompts for each level completed
3Visit Office Hours
After submitting the form, visit office hours to discuss your experience and receive credit.
Required: You must complete at least levels 1-3 and visit office hours to receive any extra credit.
Final Step: Office Hours Discussion
Required Discussion
After completing the challenge and submitting your prompts, visit office hours to discuss your experience and receive your extra credit points. No appointment needed - just come during any office hours session.
Office Hours Schedule
- Tuesday 5:00 - 6:00 PM
- Thursday 1:00 - 2:00 PM
- Wednesday 4:30 - 5:30 PM (Zoom)
- By appointment
Discussion Topics
- Your strategies and approaches for each level
- What you learned about AI behavior and limitations
- How this relates to business applications of AI
- Creative problem-solving insights gained
Tips: Come prepared to share your most creative prompts and discuss challenges you faced. Discussion takes up to 10 minutes and may be conducted as a group.
Grading Criteria & Rewards
Extra Credit Tiers
- Levels 1-3: Qualify for extra credit points
- Levels 4-7: Earn even more extra credit
- Level 8: Personal gift for first two students who complete it
Requirements
- Complete at least levels 1-3 to qualify for any credit
- Submit prompts via Google Form
- Visit office hours for discussion
- Complete by deadline: October 2, 2025
Special Recognition: This is meant to be a fun learning activity. The instructor is curious to see how students perform, as few people have beaten the entire game!
How to Complete This Assignment
Important: Both form submission AND office hours visit are required. Credit is earned only after completing both steps.