Tinker Labs

We often hear about education and the term STEM in the media. STEM is an acronym that stands for four educational fields in English - science, technology, engineering and mathematics. However, more and more, another letter is being added to this acronym - A for arts.

It is on these interdisciplinary values ​​that the Tinker Labs program rests. The integration of art into the fields of science allows for the design of the program according to the interests of each child, and it is possible for him to know his preferences for a certain educational discipline from an early age.

Tinker Labs' Challenge, Research, and Solution

Faced with the situation of an educational system that still does not meet the needs of modern teaching, programs were designed that introduce students to the world of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

• children's natural curiosity still does not find suitable programs in schools
• with an individual approach in small groups, every child is enabled to discover their potential and become interested in future occupations

They started the research for the program at Tinker Labs in Osijek a few years ago, noticing the shortcomings of standard school education in the examples of their surroundings. Based on the research, the first Tinker Labs pilot program was launched in the fall of 2016 to prove that the idea of ​​learning STEAM through an experimental approach is the key to the success of children's understanding of science and technology.

The extremely positive results of the pilot program after the first school year at Tinker Labs proved that the learning potential in such an environment is great and that both students and parents are extremely satisfied with the positive effect that learning at Tinker Labs had on the child's self-confidence.

• learning outcomes have long-term consequences for children and shape their affinity towards different sciences and their application in everyday life

Students already develop skills for a critical approach to different problems when familiarizing themselves with the Tinker Labs method, something that is affectionately called the «Tinker Labs lens».

• Learning how to approach a subject through an integrated STEAM approach to problem solving
  Designed to bring a holistic and integrated approach to critical thinking and problem solving
• Encouraging characteristics that go beyond defined school subjects

Educational program

There are three separate programs at Tinker Labs and a fourth is in the works, each lasting two years, once a week for 45 to 75 minutes, depending on age. There are also special author's textbooks, picture books and workbooks for each. Work is in small groups of up to 10 students. Tinker Tots is intended for the youngest (4-6 years old). Furthermore, through Tinker Town, children from 7 to 10 years old learn about a new profession every week - doctor, electrical engineer, architect, banker..., everything that the city needs on a micro level, and thus get to know professions and what kind of sciences they need. In Tinker World, the slightly older ones learn about Da Vinci, Michelangelo, famous world scientists and inventors, why they were significant and what they achieved in their field, giving learning about science a historical-geographical context.

Educational franchise for Croatia - but also the world!

The Tinker Labs center in Osijek currently has about a hundred participants. He is a national franchisor from Vinkovci, who opened a school in that town in 2018 and then started expanding the franchise model throughout Croatia. Today, Tinker Labs has two centers in Zagreb and one each in Rijeka, Varaždin, Slavonski Brod, Našice, Vinkovci and Osijek. Starting next school year, centers should also be opened in Split, Đakovo, Čakovec... Tinker Labs was recently opened in Belgrade as well, through the national franchisor for Serbia. After laying the strong foundations of the franchise in Croatia and the Balkans, the foundations were laid for Europe and the world. - Contacts have been established in Slovenia and Hungary, and there is also an offer for a franchise from England. The goal is America in two years.

Student's enrollment

Winter registrations are ongoing for all courses throughout Croatia. Enroll your little scientist today, or at least take part in a free trial class to learn more about the program!

You can find out more about the educational process behind the entire Tinker Labs franchise on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram, or directly on the Tinker Labs website.