Can we teach creativity, technology, and teamwork to anyone? 

Yes, absolutely!

Does the learning ability depend on their Gender? Economic position? Education level of their parents? Rural or urban upbringing?

The answer is a resounding NO, to all questions.

From nearly sixty 48-hour maker workshops that were conducted for school kids as young as 8 years old to young adults and older adults of even 60 years, we believe that anyone can learn creativity, technology and learn to turn their ideas into physical products. While some students created silly toys that they could play with, some created things that they could use in daily life. The workshop is designed to show them that they already have the ability to learn things beyond their current competence and do things they were afraid to attempt. They build their confidence through controlled failures that are planned in the program, learn to recover, and expand their zone of competence.

 

TinkerFest is designed for school students and MakerFest for adults. The difference is minor. They will learn to:

Ideate in teams to think beyond obvious ideas

 

  • Design physical products through imagining, sketching and even on CAD. 
  • Fabricate mechanical pieces with 3D printer
  • Create electronic systems with Arduino, and devices such as sensors, displays, and motors
  • Write code to bring functionality to the product
  • Integrate the mechanical and electronics to create a full product
  • Create a 1-minute movie about the product
  • Make a slide deck and present as a team to class

 

The experience is designed to take the students beyond their threshold of fear that they hesitate to cross for fear of failing. It packs arts and technology, forces them to step outside their comfort zone, gives the confidence to work with strangers, and helps find their voice in presenting their ideas to the public.

 

TinkerFest and MakerFest programs use 3D printers, electronic devices, robot kits, hand tools, power tools, and consumables to teach creativity, technology, and teamwork.

TINKERFEST

MAKERFEST

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