Creating a table top role playing game to teach about ant tending in an IPM context

Gamification—the application of game elements to educational settings—has
emerged as an effective tool for enhancing learner engagement, improving concept
retention, and fostering critical thinking. In this study, we present the development and
implementation of a novel educational tool: a one-shot, tabletop role-playing game (RPG)
designed to teach growers and agricultural professionals about ant-mealybug mutualisms
and their implications for integrated pest management (IPM) in vineyards.
In this interactive scenario, players assume the roles of ants tending to mealybug
populations. Throughout the game, they must navigate a series of challenges posed by
common IPM strategies, including the introduction of predatory biocontrol agents,
parasitoids, and chemical insecticides. This unique perspective encourages participants to
explore the ecological role of ants as both facilitators of pest populations and as obstacles
to IPM efficacy. The gameplay experience emphasizes the complexity of multitrophic interactions and highlights the limitations and trade-offs of various pest control tactics
when mutualistic relationships are involved.
This presentation outlines the design process of the RPG module, including its alignment
with specific learning objectives, pilot testing with stakeholder groups, and
recommendations for integration into extension and outreach programming. We will also
discuss preliminary feedback and best practices for maximizing engagement and learning
outcomes through role-based experiential education.