Google Research, in collaboration with the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, has introduced ‘Polar Peaks,’ the third installment in its AI Quests educational series. This new interactive game aims to introduce students aged 11 to 14 to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its responsible application, casting them in the role of researchers. The AI Quests series has already seen over 400,000 game sessions completed across 10 languages.
While previous games focused on predicting floods and detecting eye diseases using real-world Google research, ‘Polar Peaks’ delves into the complexities of the human brain.
Polar Peaks: Mapping the Human Brain with AI
In ‘Polar Peaks,’ players embark on a journey into neuroscience, discovering how AI can accelerate scientific discovery. Guided by virtual mentors, students scan and map brain neurons to unravel the cause of memory loss in a fictional character. The game’s challenges, which include data cleaning and model testing, highlight the necessity for careful human oversight and critical thinking when working with AI.
The gameplay draws inspiration from over a decade of Google’s work in connectomics, the science of mapping neural networks within the brain. Upon completing the game, students will learn about actual breakthroughs by Google researchers, including the recent mapping of an entire fruit fly brain, which stands as the largest brain map by neuron count to date.
New Learning Modules for Educators
Complementing the game, Google is also releasing new learning modules for teachers. These resources, part of the Google AI Educator Series, are designed to help educators integrate AI Quests into their curriculum and deepen students’ understanding of AI. While materials for the first two games are already available, those for ‘Polar Peaks’ are expected next month.
The AI Quests series has garnered significant recognition, including a Webby Award in 2026 for AI Education, Learning, and Training, and the Best Global K–12 Learning Solution award at the ETIH Innovation Awards. Google plans to continue its partnerships with educators and organizations to bring more AI-focused educational games to classrooms.
