Mr. Scandrett's ClassroomOS

AI Timeline · Lesson 05

AI Chess Through History

One lesson, multiple historical opponents: compare how chess AI evolved from early heuristic play to modern engines.

Play Against Historical AI Models

Play as White on a full 8x8 board, then switch AI eras to see how search depth and heuristics change behavior.

White Pressure 0.0 Black Pressure

Control heatmap: faint red squares show where the current black engine is exerting influence.

    Turn In (End of Class)

    Submit your team reflection + demo link here:

    • Reflection FormGoogle Form
    • AlternatePublish your reflection in your repo and paste the link into the form.

    Learning Goals

    • Goal 1Explain how chess AI strategy changed from 1950s heuristics to modern engines
    • Goal 2Compare model behavior under different search depths
    • Goal 3Connect evaluation heuristics to move quality and consistency
    • Goal 4Use game evidence to argue which model style is strongest and why

    Challenge Tasks

    • Task 1Beat two different model eras in one class period
    • Task 2Record one move where two models choose different plans
    • Task 3Increase depth and explain one visible behavior change
    • Task 4Propose one heuristic tweak to improve the weakest model

    Lesson Outputs

    Each team should publish a short comparison reflection at the end of class.

    Starter Kit AI Chess Through History starter workspace Play at least three games with different model eras and depth settings.
    In your reflection, cite one specific move where model behavior diverged.         Extension Create your own "future model" Optional: tune heuristics and document what changed in play style. Navigate Back to STEAM Lessons Return to the full ClassroomOS lesson shelf