Introduction
The Grand Student Innovation Showcase, hosted by OPPO India in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, celebrated the first anniversary of the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) at St Paul’s CEHSS in Thrissur, Kerala. The event featured innovative projects from students who actively engaged in the ATL, highlighting their commitment to STEM education.
Smart Farming System Wins Top Prize
Three students from St Paul’s CEHSS, Ashwathy NG, Annliya Deepak, and Maria CJ, clinched the first prize with their Smart Farming System. The project, developed over a year in the ATL, integrates Arduino UNO technology with features like automatic irrigation, ultrasonic sensors, and a radar system. The model addresses issues like the man-animal conflict and water scarcity, showcasing a blend of innovation and social impact.
Inclusivity Through Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
The ATL at St Paul’s CEHSS operates on a hub-and-spoke model, with the school as the hub and three community schools participating. The partnership between Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), OPPO India, and Learning Links Foundation aims to make ATLs inclusive, fostering a design mindset, computational thinking, and physical computing among students in grades six to ten.
Smart Goggles and The Caring Robot
Students from St Mary’s CGHSS secured the third prize with their Smart Goggles prototype, equipped with an ultrasonic sensor to aid the visually impaired. The second prize went to The Caring Robot, a creation of students from St Paul’s CEHSS, offering controlled gear motors, servomotors, songs, and interactive features for social impact.
PPP Model and Future Plans
Vivek Vasishtha, VP of Public Affairs at OPPO India, praised the depth of knowledge and research displayed by students. The PPP model, a collaboration between government and private entities, contributes to NITI Aayog’s vision of integrating STEM education in early schooling stages. However, challenges include ATLs not being integrated into the school curriculum and a shortage of dedicated teachers.
Towards Curriculum Integration
Deepali Upadhyay, Programme Director at Atal Innovation Mission, acknowledged the readiness to include ATLs in the curriculum after establishing 10,000 ATLs nationwide. The focus is on garnering attention and resources for dedicated “tinkering and innovation” teachers. While participation from community schools faces challenges, the success stories demonstrate the positive impact of ATLs on students’ love for science.
Conclusion
The Grand Student Innovation Showcase not only celebrated young innovators but also highlighted the potential of ATLs to shape the future of STEM education in India. The public-private collaboration and students’ commitment to impactful projects showcase a promising future for innovation and technology in the country.
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