Photograph: Tinkering Lab, IIT Mandi
Vision
At the Tinkering Lab, we envision quality education for all by breaking barriers through state-of-the-art demonstrations that make science accessible and engaging. We are committed to fostering equal opportunities by creating an inclusive space where learners from all backgrounds can explore, experiment, and innovate. By championing "Learning by Doing," we transform passive education into active discovery, nurturing curiosity and critical thinking. Our mission extends beyond the classroom—we aim to develop cutting-edge scientific resources that inspire creative education, empowering future generations to solve real-world challenges. Through these efforts, we strive to build a culture where science is not just learned but experienced, believed, and celebrated.
Lab-in-Class
In an era of growing student populations and constrained infrastructure, traditional pedagogy often remains lecture-based, with limited access to hands-on lab resources. At the Tinkering Lab, we address this challenge by reimagining science education through compact, portable demonstrations designed to function as a "Lab-in-Class." Our goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice by bringing interactive, high-impact experiments directly into classrooms—no sophisticated labs required. These modular setups empower educators to demystify complex concepts anywhere, ensuring equitable access to experiential learning. By transforming passive lectures into dynamic discovery sessions, we make science engaging, inclusive, and rooted in "learning by doing."
Our Goals
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• Democratize STEM education through state-of-the-art demonstrations that make science accessible to all learners, regardless of background or infrastructure limitations.
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• Develop portable "Lab-in-Class" solutions to transform traditional lecture-based teaching into hands-on experiential learning in any classroom setting.
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• Promote inclusive innovation by creating equal opportunities for students to explore, experiment and develop critical thinking skills.
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• Bridge theory-practice gaps with compact, modular setups that make complex scientific concepts tangible and engaging.
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• Empower educators with cutting-edge teaching resources that inspire creative, activity-based pedagogy.
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• Cultivate a scientific mindset where concepts are experienced and believed through "learning by doing" rather than passive instruction.
Motivation
Today, it’s not enough for students to merely acquire information—they must learn how to learn. This shift is best supported by experiential learning through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and interactive tools.
At IIT Mandi’s Tinkering Lab, we are committed to creating innovative educational resources—DIY kits, toys, models, experiments, and learning aids—that spark curiosity and foster a deep scientific temperament in learners across all levels.
We Welcome
- Junior & Senior School Students
- Underprivileged Students
- Undergraduates
- Working Professionals
- Skilled Labourers
- Educators
Message from the PI
"At the heart of meaningful education lies the ability to explore, question, and innovate. The Tinkering Lab at IIT Mandi was founded on the belief that hands-on experimentation fuels the imagination and ignites a lifelong passion for learning."
Location
1st Floor, A9 Building
North Campus, IIT Mandi
Contact
rahul@iitmandi.ac.in
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence."
