In this paper we describe and analyze a three week assignment that was
given in a Machine Learning course at Columbia University.  The
assignment presented students with an introduction to machine learning
research.  The assignment required students to apply Genetic
Programming to evolve algorithms that play the board game Othello.
The students were provided with an implemented experimental approach
as a starting point.  The students were required to perform their own
experimental modifications corresponding to research issues in machine
learning.  The results of student experiments were good both in terms
of research and in terms of student learning.  All relevant code,
documentation and information about GPOthello is available at the
following url: http://www.cs.columbia.edu/~evs/ml/othello.html .