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This fall, Country Day School kindergarteners are diving into an imaginative and educational inquiry-based project that blends hands-on learning with seasonal fun. Led by Librarian and STEM Educator Courtney Anderson, students are exploring foundational principles of design and engineering by constructing haunted houses designed to contain Hex Bugs—tiny, energetic robots that wriggle their way around any gaps or low walls.

This project is more than spooky fun; it’s a structured, inquiry-driven learning experience that challenges young minds to problem-solve creatively. Each student’s haunted house must meet specific requirements: walls high enough, hallways well-constructed, and rooms gap-free to keep the “insects” securely inside. These criteria push students to think critically and reflect on their choices, fostering metacognition—an essential skill for lifelong learning.

Through inquiry-based exploration, our kindergarteners aren’t just given instructions—they’re posed a problem and guided through the journey of discovery. They brainstorm, design, test, and refine their haunted houses, actively engaging in each step of the process. This approach helps them develop independent problem-solving skills, build resilience, and better understand the concepts involved.

At Country Day School, projects like these illustrate our commitment to teaching students how to learn, not just what to learn. By blending creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, our inquiry-based learning model equips young learners with essential skills that will serve them both in and outside the classroom.