Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation has launched ‘Genome Heroes’, a mobile game application, which allows young children across the world to learn about genome science in a fun and interactive way.
The new application created by QF’s Qatar Genome Programme with the support of students from Qatar Foundation schools is now available in English and Arabic – on the Apple Store and Google Play.
The application was launched recently at QF’s Qatar Academy Doha with the participation of over 120 students who have been contributing to the Genome Heroes application since its inception.
The Genome Heroes game application by stemming from a glocalised approach, graphics, and engaging story introduces children to the cells, DNA, and heredity, and they can even fix mutations.
Genomic Education Head at Qatar Genome Programme, and the creator of the game, Dima Darwish speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the event said that the game is designed based on the comic book Genome Heroes featuring the characters Dana and Khalid.
“We created the game application Genome Heroes in order to provide children with a fun way to learn genomics,” she said.
According to Darwish, the game application is designed to help children to build their knowledge of genome science by introducing them to one concept at a time.
“Research and experimental psychology indicate that gamification is one of the strongest tools for education nowadays,” she said.
According to Darwish, the game application is designed to help children to build their knowledge of genome science by introducing them to one concept at a time.
Qatar Academy Doha students of grades 4, 5, and 6 were an integral part of creating Genome Heroes as they were actively involved in the testing and pilot phase of the game application.
“We started with Qatar Academy Doha students because of their fundamental role in creating the app. The kids actually helped us in the beta testing and the piloting of the game. They gave us a lot of feedback and we implemented all of them,” said Darwish.
Genome Heroes is also designed in two different levels suitable for children of ages between 6 and 9 years and above 9 years of age.
During the Genome Heroes application launch event, Qatar Academy Doha’s primary students had hands-on learning opportunities of genome science by exploring the app; were extracting DNA from bananas; playing matching games with hereditary and genes; and giving feedback to experts on their experience.
Assistant Principal at Qatar Academy Doha, Elizabeth Kennedy said that the launch of the Genome Heroes application was made possible due to the unique ecosystem of QF.
“Qatar Academy Doha is excited to be part of this amazing launch of the Genome Heroes application. I think it is an amazing example of the ability of QF’s diverse ecosystem where scientists and experts connect their work with primary students,” she said.
“Authentic collaboration like the one between Qatar Academy Doha and the Genome Heroes team highlights student potential’s true power and possibilities, strengthening our educational foundation. Our students benefit from the unique strengths of such a dynamic and collaborative educational ecosystem,” she added.
As part of the ongoing journey of Genome Heroes events will take place across QF schools in the 2023/2024 academic year.
