The International School of Macao (TIS) today launched its revamped Innovation Lab on the second floor of the school’s South Wing.
Previously known as the Robotics Lab, the renovated space now boasts equipment and materials for 3D printing, robotics fabrication, screen printing, woodwork, and more. There’s also a laser centre and a power tool room.
“We have strong core programmes here like English, Maths and Social Sciences but a lot of them are theoretical. We want the students to come out of the box and in this lab we have tools and equipment and materials that general classrooms cannot have because of lack of space,” Todd Voykin, teacher and head of the school’s Technology Department, told Macao News
Today’s opening ceremony was officiated by Lorne Schmidt, the head of school; Amanda Kiat, the principal of the secondary school; and other staff, students, and members of the Parents Association.
At the event, Schmidt said that the lab is expected to train students in various aspects of study and life, including problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, innovation and teamwork.
During the event, Voykin also showed the guests some of the students’ creations as he explained more about the lab and the tools and equipment in it. After this, the guests were then allowed to have a look around the lab.
A 16-year-old Year 11 student named Mack Dunbar has co-created a robot with their schoolmate. “It’s interesting to take robotics and it was fun. I learned a lot from the project,” they said, admitting that more young people nowadays are interested in the fields of technology, engineering and design.
“These fields allow the young people to have options and opportunities in life,” they stressed.
The school, which was established in 2002, is located within the Macau University of Science and Technology campus in Taipa.
In the past, it has fostered many innovative projects, including the development of robots for national and international robotics competitions and the establishment of the e-NABLE group of students to build six prosthetic arms, which were sent to Kosovo to be used by those in need.
TIS students can access the lab before the start of classes in the morning, during lunchtime or after school hours with a prior booking.
Speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Schmidt said the Innovation Lab’s launch marks the culmination of the school’s technology, engineering and design programme, launched a decade ago.
“I think it’s important that we as school teach our students how to use technology because it’s part of their lives; how to use technology practically or even just understanding what kind of connections there would be with technology in solving problems,” Schmidt told Macao News.
“I think doing projects like this, improving facilities and giving them access to more high-tech equipment is a natural attractions and will definitely increase the students’ interest in technology,” he added.
