‘ENGINEER IT’: Hands on exploration workshop for school children of Mangaluru region

SJEC AICTE Idea Lab, in association with Industry Innovation Group and the Department of Chemistry, successfully organised a three days’ workshop on ‘ENGINEER IT’ Hands on Exploration Workshop Camp from 24th to 26th October 2024 at SJEC AICTE -Idea Lab for school children of Mangalore Region.

Objectives: 

1. To introduce students to fundamental engineering concepts (such as design, problem-solving, and innovation) in a simple and engaging way.
2. To encourage children to think creatively and innovatively when approaching problems.
3. To teach children the process of identifying, analyzing, and solving real-world problems through engineering.
4. To foster collaboration by encouraging students to work in teams to complete engineering challenges.
5. To give children the opportunity to build, create, and test models or prototypes.
6. To spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through fun and interactive activities.

Summary:
The various skills of AICTE idea lab were offered to the school students of Mangaluru region.  A total of 105 children from of St Lawrence English Medium High School, 42 students from  Kuvempu Govt School Shakthi nagar and 45 students from Milagres School Mangalore were brought to SJEC Idea lab on 24th , 25th and 26th October 2024 respectively.  

The students were offered a session on hands-on activities, where students-built models, designed prototypes, and tested their creations.

The session included hands-on training on laser-cutting, 3D printing and CNC wood router. Students were also taken to various SJEC clubs, including SJEC-E- Baha, SJEC-M-Baha, Electrical Lab and Mechanical machinery lab. Students were also taught to make tunnel switches using various electrical components. Each day the AICTE Idea lab tech gurus made the sessions interesting and students had a fantastic learning experience.

Students worked in teams to complete engineering challenges, promoting collaboration and communication. This aspect of the workshop encouraged students to share ideas, solve problems together, and learn the importance of teamwork in engineering.

By demonstrating how engineering concepts are applied in the real world, the workshop aimed to spark a long-term interest in STEM fields. Students were exposed to the practical applications of engineering, making it relevant and exciting for them.

Both students and teachers who accompanied them gave positive feedback on the workshop. Students particularly enjoyed the interactive nature of the activities, and teachers noted an increase in student curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM topics. All three days the children were provided with lunch at SJEC-Ladies hostel. 

Overall, the workshop successfully engaged students in the world of engineering, fostering both curiosity and confidence in their ability to solve problems and build innovative solutions.