Discovery Room Encourages Play-Based Learning
Worthington School District // Discovery Room // 2025 Innovation Program Award Winner
Worthington Public Schools’ Discovery Room: A Transformative Space for Imagination, Joy, and Hands-On Learning
When Worthington Public Schools reimagined Prairie Elementary as a K–2 building in 2022, educators saw an opportunity to rethink how young learners experience school. Out of that vision—and thanks to the creativity of second grade teacher Kris Doeden—the Discovery Room was born: an immersive, hands-on learning environment that brings the power of experiential education directly to rural Minnesota.
For students in Worthington, traditional field trips can be challenging. Distances are long, and opportunities like children’s museums simply aren’t nearby. The Discovery Room solves that problem by bringing the world to the students. Each themed transformation of the room becomes its own mini field trip—an imaginative, interactive space where children step into new roles, learn new skills, and explore concepts through play.
Inside these vibrant scenes, students don’t just observe; they participate. They become barbers and bakers, shoppers and stylists, creators and consumers. During the “Our Town” theme, students built a grocery store, salon, and barbershop—then applied math, literacy, social skills, and problem-solving as they created products and ran their own shops. The room becomes a place where learning feels like joy, and where concepts taught in class come to life in their hands.
Teachers describe students walking in with wide eyes, excitement, and even tears of awe at the beauty and creativity of the space. “That’s what inspires me,” one staff member shared. “To make the room even more magical so kids can learn in ways they’ll remember.”
What makes the Discovery Room truly exceptional is the collaborative spirit behind it. Teachers, community members, high school clubs, volunteers, administrators, and custodial staff all play a part in creating these immersive experiences. It’s a powerful reminder that one person can cast the vision—but many hands bring it to life.
By encouraging play, imagination, movement, and exploration, the Discovery Room is transforming learning for Worthington’s youngest students—and proving that rural schools can create extraordinary educational innovation.
Congratulations Worthington Public Schools on earning the 2025 Innovation Program Award. The Discovery Room Program at Worthington School District was honored and celebrated in November at the MREA Greater Education Summit at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd.