Full STEAM ahead at TinkerTank

Thanks to modern technology’s frenetic pace of evolution, education now comprises far more than learning the core essentials of reading and writing. Nowadays it’s full STEAM ahead in the classroom, where proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths are the fundamental building blocks of a well-rounded education. This can seem overwhelming, but Toronto born Julija McDowell, has set up TinkerTank, a STEAM focused learning hub that is helping students thrive in the digital age.

What is TinkerTank?
We’re a technology-based makerspace, here to help students of all ages learn and develop their STEAM skills. We make learning fun and engaging with cutting edge equipment, workshops, challenges and amazing mentors.

How do you help students grasp concepts which many consider difficult to absorb?
Our cornerstone is collaborative, project-based learning. This means that students aren’t constantly thinking, oh no, this is Science. And Maths! I’m no good at this kind of stuff. They’re far more consumed with thinking through the challenge of what the project requires, unlocking their creativity in a more practical sense that doesn’t need to fit a certain discipline of education. So, for instance, right now we’re helping a dad make a full Iron Man suit that will be 3D printed for his son to have the best Halloween costume ever! That’s a unique example, but at TinkerTank it’s all about solving project-based problems first, and then later we can show students that if you break up the components of what they’ve achieved then, hey, here’s a scientific principle you’ve applied, an engineering concept there, and you’ve weaved it together by using creativity to solve design challenges that look great and work.

What inspired you to create TinkerTank?
I worked for over 15years in the VFX (Visual Effects) and Animation industry. And I was incredibly fortunate to work with some of the most talented and creative minds in the world, being part of a team that created blockbuster movies like Jurassic Park, Star Wars and Harry Potter. That entire process of creating, collaboration and construction made me believe that children (and adults) should learn in such an inspiring setting, the genesis of TinkerTank.

How has Covid affected TinkerTank?
Having been very oriented towards teaching students in a physical classroom, we were forced to rethink and reconfigure, but it’s actually improved TinkerTank. We still have in studio sessions, but we also offer online classes that are super engaging, entertaining and most of all, educational. We have so many 5 star reviews and it’s really exciting to now be available ALL over Australia. 

What have been the biggest challenges so far?
It’s a constant battle having to convince parents and government bodies to understand both the importance of STEAM education, and the nuances of how it is taught. STEAM skills are required in 75% of new jobs today and that number is only going to increase. And the traditional teaching models in schools don’t fully engage all the students who may be potentially the most talented, but they require some more coaxing into the material, coaxing that TinkerTank’s way of engaging can achieve. 

What have been your biggest triumphs?
We’ve created something unique that I’m really proud of. Beyond that, working with forward thinking schools to ensure they can provide STEAM expertise to their students is extremely rewarding. But nothing comes close to changing the lives of some of our students, and their parents, by offering them a way of learning that really clicks.