Quantum Ninjas vs. Laser Robots: A Board Game to Cultivate Quantum Intuition

In this work, we introduce Quantum Ninjas vs. Laser Robots, a board game designed to cultivate quantum intuition in learners across a variety of backgrounds through interactive gameplay and tangible analogies. The game introduces familiar and approachable characters, ninjas and robots, which help to model key ideas of quantum mechanics, including probabilistic measurement, discrete energy levels, excitation and relaxation processes, and wavefunction collapse. The game was introduced to a group of undergraduate students at Texas A&M University, and their learning outcomes were evaluated using a post-game survey. The results indicate improved familiarity with quantum mechanics as well as high levels of engagement and collaborative learning. Our findings suggest that game-based learning can serve as a very effective complement to traditional teaching methods for abstract and math-heavy subjects such as quantum mechanics by lowering barriers to entry and fostering intuitive understanding.