Makerspaces, STEAM Labs & Science Education in Singapore
Canadian International School Makerspaces (Lakeside and Tanjong Katong campuses)
Makerspaces are mainstream in many Canadian schools, and CIS has adopted this hands-on, creative way of learning about science, technology, entrepreneurship, arts and mathematics. Its STEAM makerspaces encourage teamwork, collaboration and design thinking. Students build and work on projects using traditional equipment such as wood-working machinery and sewing machines, and cutting-edge technology such as 3D printers and GCC laser engravers. The school also hosts an annual STEAM Fair here, which inspires both parents and children with innovative activities such as building a rollercoaster or learning to code a robot.
At Lakeside, there is an entire floor dedicated to STEAM, with a multimedia lab, makerspace, science labs and maths classrooms. We were impressed by the central area, which looked well-equipped for students to experiment, invent and tinker with a range of materials and technologies – from wood-working machinery and sewing machines to 3D printers, GCC laser engravers and a newspaper rolling machine.
CIS says: “STEAM ties in with the IB learner profile as a lot of the projects are very collaborative. Our makerspaces are part lab, part shop, part conference room, and are designed to foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration and design thinking.”
Read our reviews of CIS Lakeside and CIS Tanjong Katong here.
