With the goal of developing the culture of ‘building from scratch’ and helping students think out of the box (beyond the textbook), Device Engineering Labs will be set up in rural government schools with the objectives of
i) Providing Training on “making” things
ii) Developing “scientific thinking”
iii) Building the habit of “hands-on learning”
The ‘Device Engineering Labs’ (DEL) will host devices from simple principles to complex functioning (from Cycle Dynamo, Analog Alarm Clock, Electric Calling Bell to Motor, 3D Printer). The carefully considered method uses hands-on learning through dismantling & assembly, repair, feature enhancement, design & fabrication and most importantly learning the industrial and extended applications of the concepts.
As in any development-oriented activity, the duration is of utmost importance. The training curriculum for these labs has been set as 3 years involving classes 8, 9 and 10. The first year will be more of an introduction to learning science in a fun way and will involve simple devices that work on one primary principle/concept (example-soap dispenser, cycle dynamo, electric iron). Year two will use advanced devices that function based on multiple concepts and scientific principles (Mixer, Fan, Motor, pump). Whereas the third year will be the most advanced that allow for students to work on advanced principles (additive manufacturing, agri based devices). This is when the students will be ready to, design, add functionality, enhance features of the devices, and most importantly make or fabricate things on their own.
One of the most important aspects of setting up and running the device engineering labs is that, while the lab will be run and maintained by a dedicated trainer/staff, the undergraduate and graduate students from IIT Madras will get the opportunity to serve as resource persons for curriculum building and training the rural student. With brilliant youth resource on campus, this powerful connect will inspire the school students and motivate them to aspire.
In the last 7 years, ‘
Teach to Learn’ from IIT Madras (
www.teachtolearn.co.in) has been mentoring and training rural students from around 50 government schools. We are now seeking your help to take STEM to the door step of the disadvantaged students. Your contributions will bring IIT’s physical presence in rural schools and will also go a long way in giving exposure, opportunity for the students to explore, experience and enrich their learning.
This effort is expected to help develop the culture of ‘making’ things at the school level. You can help us by contributing to set up and run these labs
Estimated budget to set up and run 50 Device Engineering Labs in Rural Government Schools
• Year 1 – 50Lakhs (15 Labs)
• Year 2 – 50Lakhs (15 Labs)
• Year 3 – 75Lakhs (20 Labs)
The plan is to set up the first 15 Labs and initiate the running before setting up the second set of 15 Labs and so on. It is therefore important to raise funds to set up and also run them as well. The main cost in running the lab is the recruitment of a full-time engineer who will take care of running the training program, maintaining the lab, enabling our students’ training events, working with the school for scheduling training sessions etc. These labs will primarily focus on STEM; however, the process of imparting and training will also involve design thinking skills, personality development skills training, career guidance etc through workshops organised few times in the year.
