The free 4-H game sends young players through a “magical career portal” into labs, classrooms, fieldwork and regulatory jobs.

Tiffany Acosta, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - A new game, “Portal to Possibilities: Biotech Edition,” from the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service and University of Connecticut Extension, offers young players an opportunity to explore science careers.  

The media production team from NMSU’s Innovative Media Research and Extension and Learning Games Lab in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and its UConn partners developed a game that allows players to step through a magical career portal into the many worlds of biotechnology.

From research labs to environmental fieldwork, classrooms to regulatory agencies, players perform authentic tasks that highlight what professionals in each role really do. “Portal of Possibilities” offers a glimpse into 10 biotech careers and gives players a chance to see themselves in a science field.

“This game helps youth explore the different aspects of jobs — including their impacts on people, and the breadth of experiences in biotech,” Innovative Media Research and Extension Department Head Barbara Chamberlin said.

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To create “Portal of Possibilities,” the UConn 4-H youth engaged in learning about biotechnology, took field trips and met with researchers. The 4-H students then pitched game ideas based on their experiences, and NMSU designers produced a game based on those ideas. This work was supported the Food and Agriculture Nonformal Education program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.  

“Preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving workforce starts with creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences,” said Jennifer Cushman, UConn Extension educator and UConn 4-H state program leader. “Portal to Possibilities bridges education and exploration, allowing young people to see themselves in STEM careers while building confidence and critical thinking skills.”

“Portal to Possibilities: Biotech Edition” is the second game in the 4-H Biotech Games series. To play the games, visit 4hbiotechgames.org.

Tiffany Acosta writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached at 575-646-3929, or by email at tfrank@nmsu.edu.