The Riverside Makerspace is part of the school’s natural progression & evolution. At its heart, it is a direct extension of one of our core pedagogical practices - experiential learning. The Makerspace will allow our students to experience the entire cycle of problem-solving & creation. Having identified a challenge, they will collaborate to ideate, learn new skills & use new tools, design and build prototypes, test for effectiveness and refine their solutions.
As we develop the program, we expect that students who wish to enter design and engineering streams will be able to get a first-hand experience of what it means to bean engineer or a designer. We aim, over the next few years, to have all our budding designers & engineers build a portfolio of ideas and solutions developed at the Makerspace as part of their college applications : perhaps a better demonstration of their skills, interest & motivation than mere exam performance.
Muzammil Sir, the key-stage 2 science teacher, is a physics masters graduate. A tinkerer at heart, he is an affectionate, accomplished teacher who infects students with his enthusiasm for science & understanding WHY and HOW things work. Having played a key role in the assembly of the equipment, where he was trained by CreatorBot (the suppliers of our equipment), he is a creative, hands-on mentor who guides our students & team in making the most of the Makerspace.
In charge of all the lab spaces in the school, including the makerspace, Moin bhai is one of the most organised and calm people you are likely to meet. He is intimately familiar with the operation & maintenance of the equipment and electronics. In addition to supporting Muzammil Sir during the makerspace sessions, he maintains the space with impeccable attention to detail & organisation.
Our makerspace currently has the following equipment which will allow students to learn programming, build robots, learn how electronics & sensors work.
The CNC router at the school can work with metal, plywood, wood, among other hard materials. Controlled by a computer where students create & upload their designs, the CNC mill can then precisely cut the material.
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The 3D-laser printer uses a plastic (poly-lactic acid; PLA) which is heated and then precisely printed (with a precision of 0.4 cm) to create complex 3-D shapes. One of the most exciting production technologies in the world, 3D printing technology has already started revolutionizing global manufacturing.
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The laser cutter uses lasers to precisely cut or emboss material such as paper, leather, felt, etc. The accuracy that the laser cutter offers allows us to etch /cut intricate designs & shapes.
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Wood-working tools: Using a collection of tools including power drills, saws, sanders, etc., students will work with plywood, wood, light metal, etc. to design and build furniture, objects, etc.
Electronics, including : Micro-controller boards (Arduino), Micro-processor boards (Raspberry Pi), Servos, motors, sensors, etc.
