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.
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.
Monday, April 17, 2023 – Teachers will submit to Asombro a list of their top projects for entry into the final competition.
Tuesday April 25, 2023 – Final competition projects will be dropped off at New Mexico State University.
Thursday April 27, 2023 (evening) – Open house and award ceremony at NMSU.
Congratulations to the 2022 Desert Data Jam winners! Their creative projects are shown below. Each project also had an excellent project report.
1st Place 2022: “How the Music Doesn’t Flow: The Non-Existent Connection Between Drought and Temperature in Capitals” by Alisiya T., Annie L., and Victoria W.
2nd Place 2022: “Fish VS. Rising Temperatures! Who Is Winning?” by Ojemeh U.
3rd Place 2022: “Connected 4 Wildlife” by Nairobi A.
 | “Birds, bricks & toads.” Abram A., Jaziel L. |
 | “Let’s Get Wild With Wildlife Conservation” Samantha A., Brisa Q., Andrew A. |
 | “How Species in New Mexico Need Protection Based On The Temperatures” Kayla G. |
 | “Royale Bugs” Kaleb H., Yahir M. |
 | “The Beetles!” Elizabeth N. |
 | “I Can Barely See: Dust in Different Seasons” Brian O. |
 | “Oh Deer” Cash P. |
 | “Wildlife Conservation Data Report” Riya R. |
 | “Bird Protection is Sky High” Sebastian U. |
 | “Can Dust Change?” Ximena Z. |
Dr. Kris Havstad addresses students and parents at the Desert Data Jam open house and award ceremony.
First place project “Shrub Shenanigans”, 2018.
Third place project “Connected 4 Wildlife”, 2022.