Introduction
In the fast-evolving world of technology and innovation, education is the key to success. However, not all students have equal access to resources and opportunities, which is why organizations like the Young Tinker Foundation, in collaboration with IDS, USA-India Development Service, and IMSI India Pvt Ltd, are stepping up to bridge the gap. Through a pioneering project, these organizations are bringing hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education to students from under-resourced communities and orphanages. In the heart of Dhenkanal, Odisha, lies Adruta Children’s Home, a sanctuary for young souls filled with dreams. This time, these dreams are taking a tangible form as the students embark on an exciting journey to set up their very own Young Tinker Space.
The Journey
In 2022, 6 students were trained by the Young Tinker Foundation team to compete at the NASA Rover Challenge 2023. Out of these 6 students, 2 students Akankshya and Om Padhi were from Adruta Orphanage in Bhubaneswar. In April 2023, This Young Tinker team won a category award in the NASA Rover Challenge 2023 at Marshall Space Flight Centre, Huntsville, Alabama, USA. After returning from the USA, in June 2023 our founder, Shri Anil Pradhan visited the Adruta Orphange in Dhenkanal and Angul, Odisha. The visit helped the team realise the potential of students in remote pockets of Odisha.
With immediate effect, 20 students were mentored in the Tinker Program which includes 3D designing, Design Thinking, rapid prototyping, basic robotics, and Basic Computational Skills for the first six months, which was an intent creation activity for students. Each participating student is provided with a Tinker Box (a design patent by Young Tinker)- a tactile toolbox filled with a microcontroller (Arduino), BO Motors, customised mount, jumper wire, LEDs, Traffic light LED, Motor controller, Adapter, Breadboard and 5 other sensors. These Tinker Boxes are designed to enable students to develop over a thousand projects, ranging from simple experiments to complex inventions. 32 sessions were mentored by the trainer Abhipsa Pattnaik to the students.
Young Tinker Pedagogy
Young Tinker believes that Hands-on learning is a powerful educational approach that engages students by allowing them to explore, experiment, and create. All the students go through 4 stages of learning: Tinker, Maker, Innovator, Entrepreneur.
Tinker- Learning by doing mistakes, Self-discovery, basic hands-on skilling
Maker- How to create almost anything
Innovator- Design thinking, Out of the box thinking
Entrepreneur- Marketing, Branding, Sales, Business modelling, Financial Literacy
Building a Young Tinkerspace
On 24 Nov 2023, before the successful completion of the first six months, the project is set to take a significant leap forward. The young tinker team travelled to one of the remote location of Odisha- Dhenkanal. The collaborative effort will result in the establishment of a Young Tinkerspace, a dedicated learning environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Here, students will have access to resources like 3D printers, soldering stations, and various hand tools like Wrench, drill machine, screwdrivers, providing them with a space to turn their ideas into reality.
The Young Tinkerspace is more than just a physical space; it’s a hub of innovation and creativity where students can collaborate, experiment, and learn in an interactive and immersive environment. This development represents a remarkable opportunity for these young minds to explore the realms of technology and innovation, turning their dreams into tangible projects.
The installation of pegboards quickly turned into a lesson in teamwork and precision. With determination in their eyes of students, students took charge, handling drill machines with confidence, drilling holes into the walls, and skillfully inserting anchor bolts. Each tightened nut represented a symbolic step closer to realizing their dream space.
The journey unfolded as students found themselves immersed in the world of units and measurements while hanging posters. Hammering nails into the walls was not just a decorative endeavour; it became a valuable lesson, extending their skills beyond the realm of tinkering and providing a practical application of mathematical concepts.
With 3D printers now in place, the Young Tinker delved into the basics of 3D printing by assembling their own 3d printers, turning their imagination into tangible creations. The room resonated with cheers of joy and accomplishment as they witnessed their first designs materialize before their eyes.
Assortment of basic hand tools such as wrenches, spanners, and pliers, students eagerly embraced the opportunity to work with their hands. The air buzzed with creativity, accompanied by the rhythmic clinking of tools coming together to shape their visions.
A Boost to Weekly Learning – The “TinkerShow”
The collaborative efforts extend beyond the Young Tinkerspace. They also significantly boost the Young Tinker Foundation’s ongoing initiatives, including the weekly “TinkerShow.” This hands-on learning program reaches over 1,200 students, expanding the impact of STEAM education. The “TinkerShow” features a variety of interactive sessions, workshops, and demonstrations, encouraging students to dive into the world of science and technology with enthusiasm and passion.
The collaboration between the Young Tinker Foundation, IDS, USA-India Development Service, and IMSI India Pvt Ltd is a testament to the power of community, partnership, and education. India Development Service (IDS) was established in 1974 to bring economic and social development to India. By providing students from under-resourced communities and orphanages with structured STEAM education, the project not only equips them with valuable skills but also nurtures their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Conclusion
In a world that relies increasingly on innovation and technological progress, providing quality STEAM education to all students is essential. The Young Tinker Foundation’s collaboration with IDS, USA-India Development Service, and IMSI India Pvt Ltd is a promising initiative that aims to level the playing field by offering underprivileged students the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. With Tinker Boxes, a Young Tinkerspace, and the “TinkerShow,” these organizations are lighting the path to a brighter future for thousands of young minds, unlocking their potential and inspiring them to become the innovators of tomorrow.
