PhytoFlow: A Board Game for Enhancing Learning in Undergraduate Biochemistry Classes

Innovative strategies are essential for advancing science education and fostering deeper conceptual understanding, particularly in complex subjects such as biochemistry. This study presents the design and implementation of an educational board game centered on the biochemical process of photosynthesis. Incorporating worker-placement and resource-management mechanics, the game models enzymatic reactions and metabolic pathways, translating abstract molecular processes into interactive and strategic gameplay. A preliminary evaluation with undergraduate biochemistry students indicated gains in conceptual understanding, along with increased engagement, motivation, and the development of analytical thinking skills. These findings highlight the promise of thoughtfully designed educational games as powerful tools for making complex biochemical systems more accessible and provide a foundation for further implementation and study.