Ep 9: From Card Game to Future Healthcare: Why DNA & Genes Matter for Kids

Can your DNA affect which medicines work better for you? In this Parents of India conversation with Dr Poorti Kathpalia, we explore why understanding DNA and genes may become increasingly important as healthcare moves toward more personalised and genetics-informed decisions. Can DNA affect which medicines work for a person? Yes, for some medicines, genetic differences can affect how a person's body responds to a drug. The field that studies this is called pharmacogenomics. Genetic information can sometimes help healthcare professionals choose a medicine or dose more appropriately, although genes are only one of several factors involved in treatment decisions. Why should children learn about DNA and genes? Understanding DNA and genes can help children make sense of biology, heredity and emerging areas of healthcare such as genetic testing, gene therapy and pharmacogenomics. It can also help them understand what genetic information means when they encounter it later in life. _____________ In this Parents of India podcast, host Piyush Jain speaks with Dr Poorti Kathpalia, Founder of Vigyan Vyanjan, about The Gene Game—an educational genetics card game designed to make complex and abstract biology concepts easier to explore through play. Dr Poorti Kathpalia is a scientist and educator with a PhD in neuroscience. Through Vigyan Vyanjan, she creates play-based STEM experiences that help students engage with science through curiosity, strategy and meaningful application. In this conversation, we explore: 🧬 Can game-based learning make biology easier to visualise and understand? 🧬 How does The Gene Game combine scientific knowledge, probability, strategy and play? 🧬 How can parents and teachers use a biology card game at home or in the classroom? 🧬 How can the game support learning connected with school biology topics across Classes 9–12? 🧬 What is included in The Gene Game, and how is it played? WHAT IS THE GENE GAME? The Gene Game is an educational genetics card game created by Vigyan Vyanjan. It uses real information about human genes and a trump-card-style format to help players compare genes, understand their characteristics and apply their biology knowledge while playing. The complete game includes 96 gene cards, 12 wild cards and rule cards. Players use both scientific understanding and strategy to collect the maximum number of cards. The conversation is useful for: • Parents looking for meaningful and screen-free learning games • Biology students and science learners • Teachers teaching genetics, heredity, DNA or chromosomes • Homeschooling families • STEM educators and science clubs • Anyone interested in play-based and game-based learning BUY THE GENE GAME Mini Trump Cards Version: https://www.vigyanvyanjan.com/product... Complete Card Game: https://www.vigyanvyanjan.com/product... ____________________________________ ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Poorti Kathpalia is the Founder of Vigyan Vyanjan, a STEM games company working to reinvent science learning in Indian classrooms through play-based experiences. A scientist by training, she holds a PhD in neuroscience and combines her understanding of science and education to design games that make complex scientific ideas accessible, engaging and enjoyable to explore. _________________________________ Watch Full Conversation at:    • Your Child Finds Biology Boring? Learn DNA...   ____________________________ WHO SHOULD WATCH THIS Conversation? • Parents looking for meaningful and screen-free learning games • Children and teenagers curious about biology • Biology and science teachers • CBSE and ICSE students • Homeschooling families • STEM educators and science clubs • Parents whose children find biology boring or difficult • Anyone interested in game-based and experiential learning ____________________________________ QUESTION FOR PARENTS Which science concept does your child find most difficult—DNA, genes, chromosomes or proteins? Write one word in the comments. Your response will help Parents of India plan future expert conversations. Share this episode with one parent, teacher or student who says, “Biology is boring.” ________________________________ ABOUT PARENTS OF INDIA Parents of India is a parenting podcast and knowledge platform hosted by Piyush Jain. We bring parents credible, research-informed and actionable conversations with experts, educators, founders and experienced parent leaders. Subscribe to Parents of India for conversations on child development, education, learning, parenting and preparing children for adult life. YouTube:    / @parentsofindia   Share in the comments: Would your child prefer learning genetics through a textbook, a card game, or a combination of both? #ParentsOfIndia #TheGeneGame #GeneticsForKids