ThinkerPlace originated from the vision of Director Ms. Deepti Sharma, inspired by her daughter’s inquisitiveness to grasp the practical applications of science concepts. Specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, ThinkerPlace crafts dynamic STEM universes for children through DIY toys. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing youngsters for the demands of a tech-driven future. By aligning with the 2022 National Education Policy guidelines, ThinkerPlace contributes to a more goal-oriented and practical learning system, fostering curiosity and innovation while addressing the evolving needs of the STEM industry.
In this exclusive interview, ThinkerPlace’s director, Ms. Deepti Sharma, provides us with insights on the organization’s focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through do-it-yourself toys.
How did the idea for Thinkerplace evolve into a brand, and what key events shaped its beginnings?
ThinkerPlace aims to create a dynamic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) universe for kids. We make educational STEM DIY Toys that introduce various futuristic skills to them like robotics, coding, automation, IoT, and more.
Our director came up with this idea while teaching science to her daughter in Class 8, Ms. Deepti Sharma says that although her daughter understood the science concepts, she could never understand its applications and usage.
“She is a smart and intelligent girl, but I thought like her, there might be many who are curious and have similar doubts on how they are supposed to use the things they learn. That is how I started thinking of the platform,” she added.
Also, with technology being constantly updated and innovations every day, there is a high demand in the STEM industry for skilled and professional individuals. To fill in this increasing demand, a base in STEM from an early age and a career-focused education is very important. This is where ThinkerPlace comes in. We want to be the first point of contact for children and parents when it comes to the introduction of S.T.E.M and its infinite possibilities through our DIY educational toys. We aim to build a generation of intelligent minds who can extend their learning abilities and knowledge scope beyond the PURVIEW of their textbooks. We aim to equip students with the right tools and programs to learn from their experiences and reality beyond their classes.
How does ThinkerPlace contribute to the field of education, specifically in the context of STEM learning for children? How does ThinkerPlace design products to tackle real-world challenges for children in a tech-centric environment?
ThinkerPlace’s DIY toys engage kids in hands-on learning, fostering a deeper understanding of STEM concepts through practical application. This addresses the issue highlighted by our director regarding understanding concepts beyond theory. The toys further introduce kids to futuristic skills like robotics, coding, automation, IoT, etc. It prepares them for the tech-driven future, aligning them with modern industry demands. ThinkerPlace stays up to date with the latest technological advancements, updating its product line to reflect the latest tech trends. This ensures children are exposed to current technologies, preparing them for a rapidly evolving tech-centric environment.
ThinkerPlace aims to expand children’s learning beyond textbooks, encouraging them to explore and experiment, fostering curiosity and innovation.
Can you explain How does the STEM curriculum in ThinkerPlace kits align with the 2022 National Education Policy guidelines?
The National Education Policy of 2020 has added new guidelines for schools to have a learning system that is more goal-oriented and practical. This will help kids understand difficult concepts in school easily. STEM Learning is one way to make learning more practical for them. Many schools are focusing on practical and fun learning. The new guidelines in the education policy are a fantastic initiative as they will make learning more fun and exciting for kids and they will remember and understand the concepts for a longer time.
