Tinkering Lab: Inside Orchids’ very own DIY hub that turns curiosity into creation

The world is evolving every minute, churning out more innovative ideas than we can imagine. Students can no longer depend on textbook knowledge alone. They must develop practical learning skills that allow them to think creatively, apply concepts and solve real-life problems. Every great idea starts with curiosity, and at Orchids that impression is turned into invention. Our flagship do-it-yourself (DIY) lab, Tinkering, is a bustling hub where imagination takes flight, piquing every kid’s interest and encouraging them to explore through questioning and experimentation.         

Breaking the mould to reimagine DIY

At Orchid’s Tinkering Labs, our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) experts give students hands-on training using a slew of instructional methods. Here, young minds are constantly engaged and challenged to break the mould, craft and curate new things. This, in turn, gives students the confidence to shape their ideas. It fosters some very important skills such as creativity, problem-solving ability, critical thinking and innovation by providing students with a wide range of tools and materials to experiment with, construct, take risks as well as own their mistakes and learn from them. Every small experiment becomes a stepping stone toward innovation, preparing them to thrive in a world that rewards outside-the-box thinkers and creators.

A peek inside Orchids way of tinkering

Thought DIY is all about arts and crafts? Think again! Experiential learning forms a central tenet of Orchids’ teaching approach. That said, it’s not like any other pedagogical style. Here, learning is not confined to textbooks. Rather, it’s bent more toward discovering, devising and tinkering! Our STEM faculty believes in encouraging experiential learning in all stages. It’s a philosophy that inspires students to ideate, formulate and get their hands dirty. Constituted to focus on advanced design and innovation, the curriculum allows students to gain practical experience with advanced machines. 

On an operational level, the programme is powered by two dedicated modules - the DIY Lab and the Tinkering Lab. Introduced in 2022, the DIY Lab is functioning across 52 campuses, while the Tinkering Lab, incepted in 2023, is currently running on 28 campuses. Together, they make learning more accessible to students across multiple locations. Students from Grade 3-9 actively use these labs every week, maintaining the culture of ingenuity and purpose.

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Woodworking, 3D modelling and more..

The state-of-the-art DIY and Tinkering Labs are thoughtfully designed depots - equipped with hand tools, sanding machines, drills and lathes. These labs allow students to brainstorm, shape and polish their ideas into real objects. Students are trained using day-to-day materials - such as candy sticks, leather sheets and cardboards. Over time, they pick and excel in professional skills like woodworking, 3D modelling and 3D printing. Students love the 3D printers that transform their digital designs into tangible models, layer by layer. 

They accumulate a plethora of knowledge and insights under the able guidance of Orchids’ STEM mentors, who supervise and encourage them every step of the way. The experts ensure that the little ones stay focussed on exploring, experimenting and completing their projects on time. The key is to find a solution regardless of their skill level, so that every child has the chance to learn and grow at their own pace. 

The driving force behind the labs

The above wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of our teachers and mentors. Heading the STEM department is Jimmy Ahuja, who ensures that DIY aligns with the school’s vision for experiential learning. Team Lead Adarsh Sijen, who works closely with Jimmy in overseeing the curriculum, explains, “Our curriculum is sharp, adaptive and future-ready. It goes beyond the classroom-centred methods to make the learning process more immersive, hands-on and engaging for students. We encourage students to not just learn concepts but experiment and apply them in real-world projects, turning curiosity into creation. Irrespective of the scale, every project becomes a stepping stone toward innovation, so that they are prepared to thrive in a world that rewards problem-solvers and creators. In today’s fast-paced world, shining only academically is not enough. In order to become the thought-leaders and independent changemakers of tomorrow, training must begin at a tinkering level.”

The overall team comprises eight skilled mentors and subject matter experts, who work tirelessly to keep the innovation hubs organised, safe and inspiring for every student. Their collective expertise ensures the curriculum remains challenging and relevant, while also supporting students as they design, build and fine-tune their projects. By encouraging perseverance and inventiveness, this team helps students transform raw ideas into working prototypes, turning the lab into a space where imagination feels limitless.

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Creating future-proof innovators

The goal of Orchids’ DIY and Tinkering Labs is to prepare students to tackle every hurdle with confidence, be self-reliant and think unconventionally. Every project completed in the lab is more than just a finished product. It represents a student who has learned to imagine, experiment and create - skills that will stay with them for life.