This paper describes the structure, incentives, assessments, and results of a course in common-pool resource management (CPRM) that can be run in 8 weeks with 15-30 students. The course structure helps students learn about the complexity of CPRM by grouping students into "too large" groups where coordination will be difficult as well as tasking those groups to find and address a local CPRM problem. This "play within a play" structure creates numerous opportunities for feedback, adjustment and reflection as students apply theory to real challenges. Examples, data and results from three iterations of the course will help readers appreciate different potential outcomes from this design.