Working on mazes designed to challenge a hedgehog showcases a brilliant intersection of biology, engineering, and behavioral science. From my experience participating in similar STEM projects, the key is observing how the animal interacts with the environment and using those observations to iteratively improve the maze design. Hedgehogs rely heavily on their keen sense of smell and spatial memory to navigate. When building a maze for Ike, it's fascinating to see how these senses come into play. For example, placing distinct scents or textures at different maze points can influence the hedgehog’s route choices, offering students a practical lesson in animal sensory behavior. The phrase 'Math and engineering doesn’t have to be dull,' especially resonates here. Engaging with a live animal like Ike makes abstract principles tangible; students watch math and physics concepts like spatial reasoning, pathfinding, and trial-and-error learning come alive. Plus, the unpredictable nature of the animal's behavior means no two trials are the same, keeping students actively involved in problem-solving. One memorable moment in such projects is seeing the hedgehog “hack” the maze by finding shortcuts or unexpected paths, which encourages students to think creatively and adapt their designs quickly. This dynamic, real-time iteration mirrors real-world engineering challenges and fosters critical thinking skills. Overall, blending hands-on learning with animal behavior not only deepens understanding of STEM subjects but also cultivates empathy and curiosity about living creatures. It’s a rewarding experience for young scientists to design, observe, and tweak their mazes while learning how biology and engineering complement each other.