TinkerLab@ALPS

Official Opening of TinkerLab

TinkerLab@ALPS was officially launched on 19 September 2024 during S4 Cluster Board Meeting. As a dual function venue, comprising a Makerspace and Teaching Lab, it serves the objectives of our Applied Learning Programme (ALP) to help students build and apply knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and foster creativity through the design-and-prototype process. Environmental responsibility is also emphasised to encourage students to think critically about the impact of their designs.

In ALP, Maker Education allows students to engage deeply with engineering by designing, building, and prototyping solutions to real-world problems. Through hands-on projects, students not only strengthen their problem-solving skills but also foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with a strong foundation in STEM disciplines and technical proficiency, aligning with the enhanced 21st Century Competencies student outcomes.

The core elements of Maker Education at ALP revolve around three key components: design, fabrication, and programming. In the design phase, students use the Design Thinking process to brainstorm and plan their projects. Fabrication brings their ideas to life through prototyping, while programming adds functionality to their designs. These activities include both analogue making, which involves traditional hands-on building, and digital making, which incorporates modern technology like coding, 3D printing, and digital tools. Together, these elements help students solve complex problems using a combination of craftsmanship and innovation.

Moving forward, there are plans to expand our focus from STEM to STREAM by integrating Robotics and Art into the Maker Education programme. Partnerships with the cluster schools to collaborate on projects and share best practices in developing Maker Education will help enrich the learning experiences for our students.

Tinkerlab@ALPS will serve as a valuable dedicated space for students to create and innovate via Maker Education.