Learning Games Lab
Summer Sessions 2025
Do you like games and media, or do you know someone who does? Become a Games Lab consultant during one of our Think Tank Sessions. Consultants play and evaluate various games and other interactive experiences like VR during our sessions. Consultants participate in design activities, group discussions, game review presentations, and game pitches.
This summer, the Learning Games Lab is hosting exciting in-person sessions for middle school students in grades 6-8 and high school students in grades 9-12.
Participants will engage in game design activities, test products currently in development, and play many games, ranging from board games to VR!
Week-long Session (Middle school students)
- Session 1 - Middle school: June 2-6, 2025 (Monday to Friday), 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Week-long Session (High school students)
- Session 2: June 8-13, 2025 (Monday to Friday), 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Short Session (High school students)
- Short session 1: June 16th (Monday): ½ day game testing: 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Short session 2: June 17th (Tuesday): ½ day game testing: 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Short session 3: June 19th (Thursday): ½ day game testing: 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
The application form can be found here. Youth and their parents will need to complete the form: https://acesnmsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEehGq7QWCUlnz8
Selected consultants will be notified by email. We encourage interested students to apply. However, an application does not guarantee admission. Selection is based in part on research needs and on the potential of the applicants to contribute to our research.
- Registration by May 23th
- Selected consultants will be notified on May 26th
About the lab
The Learning Games Lab is a multifunctional learning and research space. Our team develops educational games, animations, interactives, and apps and also provides digital technology educational outreach for youth. Ongoing research in the Learning Games Lab informs the development of effective tools and contributes to the larger body of knowledge about digital and interactive media. Each summer, we host week-long sessions in person for youth of various ages.
As part of the lab extension and outreach program, the lab hosts tours for elementary, middle, and high school students. During tours, students can learn about the lab work, engage in hands-on activities, and learn about careers in technology.
If you have questions or want to connect with the lab team, feel free to contact our Games Lab coordinator:
Matheus Cezarotto
Games Lab Coordinator
matheus@nmsu.edu
575-646-5284
Learning Games Lab Toolkit
Scholars, teachers, and developers have shaped the curriculum used in the Learning Games Lab by creating suites of different activities to help youth learn through the game design process. This online toolkit offers free access to the approach, lessons, and activities honed over the past 20 years to engage youth in designing games and learning through that process.
Location
The Learning Games Lab is located in Room 173 in Gerald Thomas Hall. Gerald Thomas Hall is at 900 E. College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003.
Parking is available just west of the building at 2900 Knox St, Las Cruces, NM 88003
If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service, please contact
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.
NMSU does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, serious medical condition, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, spousal affiliation or protected veteran status in its programs and activities as required by equal opportunity/affirmative action regulations and laws and university policy and rules.