Thaliana: Quest for Gene X!

‘Thaliana: Quest for Gene X’ is our first of its kind serious game offering. It allows children to explore the world of plant science research within the magic circle of the game.

The player goes on a hands-on journey of setting up and performing experiments like leaf-lineup, PCR and electrophoresis as a part of the quest.

The player learns about complex concepts associated with plant science through play. The entire game experience is designed based on inputs from actual plant scientists.

Thaliana – Quest for GeneX supports augmented student engagement and educational outcomes to advance the biology curriculum.
We have conducted extensive evaluations with over 600 users to inform game development. Thaliana has multiple game levels tailored to deliver specific scientific concepts contextualised to the curriculum. The scientific language is adapted for primary and upper primary school pupils and supports learners with different abilities. Thaliana game characters are intentionally designed to represent diversity in STEM education and separately evaluated for positive impact.
Access to the game is included with the Amaizing Maize Kit for use by all participants using the kit.
The game can be played on smartphones and tablet devices via the web-browser.
Follow the simple instructions inside the kit to register and start playing.

Classroom Resources

AMAiZING Maize Kit

A five-week kit for upper primary and early secondary pupils exploring plant responses to climate change and molecular biology through hands-on experiments.

AMAiZING Maize Kit

Leaf-Zoom Kit

A four-week kit for Primary 4/5 pupils exploring how plants breathe, grow, absorb nutrients, and respond to their environment through interactive activities and small-group worksheets.

Leaf-Zoom Kit

‘Thaliana: Quest for Gene X’

This unique game lets children explore real plant science through play, using hands-on experiments like leaf-lineup, PCR, and electrophoresis, designed to make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

‘Thaliana: Quest for Gene X’