Desert Data Jam
The Desert Data Jam is an annual competition hosted by the Asombro Institute for Science Education in partnership with the USDA’s Jornada Experimental Range. It challenges middle school students to find creative ways to present scientific data collected in our region to non-scientist audiences. We encourage students to get creative and find inspiration in their own interests. Past creative projects have included children’s books, songs, videos, physical models, infographics, games, and more.
Asombro educators work with students four times in their classrooms. They are also available throughout the project to answer questions.
Click the tabs above to see last year’s winning projects.
Data Jams are a great way to help students think more deeply about any data. Try out one of our many Data Jam lessons with your students!
To learn more about the Desert Data Jam and other Data Jams across the country, check out some of the publications on the topic:
“Data Jams” on the LTER Network
Contact us to learn more and find out how to participate in the Desert Data Jam Competition.
Monday April 13, 2026 – Teachers will submit to Asombro a list of their top projects for entry into the final competition.
Tuesday April 21, 2026 – Final competition projects will be dropped off at New Mexico State University.
Thursday April 23, 2026 (evening) – Open house and award ceremony at NMSU
Congratulations to the 2025 Desert Data Jam winners! Their creative projects are shown below.
1st Place 2026: “Holy Cow! The Heat is Rising” by Selva B. and Evelyn A.
2nd Place 2026: “Adapt to Change” by Ian M.
3rd Place 2026: “A Slice of the Wild” by Mya C., Elisa B., and Izcalli Z.C.
3rd Place 2026: “Coyote Catastrophe” by Trinity M. and Noemi R.
 | “Dungeons & Data: The Dust Campaign” Blake P. and Elisa S. |
 | “Criollo vs Angus-Hereford” Lainey T., Mikayla L., and Sophia F.A. |
 | “Decomposition Derby” Lucy S., Oliver M., and Cati V. |
 | “Mammal Habitat Use” Jayden G. and Eduardo S. |
 | “Dust Per Season” Joaquin B.S. and Brantley S. |
 | “Cow vs Cow: Fuego” Adelyn B. and Nydia S. |
 | “Decomposing Leaves: Littered Litterbags” Nathan V. |
 | “Dust Pollution” Xzavian L. and Nathan C. |
 | “Which Cow Breeds Maintain Heat Better?” Mallory S. and Bonnie M. |
Dr. Kris Havstad addresses students and parents at one of the earliest Desert Data Jam award ceremonies.
First place project “Shrub Shenanigans”, 2018.
Honorable Mention “Moo-sical Cow”, 2024.