TIS Inaugurates Innovation Lab
On Friday (February 24, 2023), The International School of Macao (TIS) held the grand opening of the Innovation Lab. Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) Acting Head of Department of Non-Tertiary Education - Choi Man Chi, Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) Head of Secondary and Vocational Education - Leong I On, TIS Board of Governors - Dr. KL Tong, Head of School - Lorne Schmidt, Macau Science and Technology University (M.U.S.T.) President - Chair Professor Joseph Lee, Secondary School Principal - Amanda Kiat, Technology Department Head and Teacher - Todd Voykin, TIS Parents’ Association, teachers and students were all present for the opening ceremony.
In his speech, Mr. Schmidt stated that the Innovation Lab would provide a dedicated space for cultivating students’ insight, lateral thinking skills and hands-on approach. Serving as a support for classroom education, the Innovation Lab also helps students consolidate their understanding of theoretical subjects, and enhance their ability to apply them in a practical way.
"The Innovation Lab will continue to help students explore and create beyond their imagination, providing a platform that enables them to reach their dreams and aspirations." - Mr. Voykin
Newly renovated from the previous robotics lab, the Innovation Lab has inherited ten years of rich experience. Since its launch in 2013, the Technology, Engineering and Design programme has already achieved many accomplishments and awards from international robotics competitions. With the enrichment of resources and continuous implementation of the world renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) framework, the lab will continue to provide innovative and multidisciplinary education.
The Innovation Lab is fully equipped with advanced tools and materials, and divided into a central learning area, equipped workstations, 3D printing room, robotics fabrication section, screen printing room, woodwork station, laser centre and power tool room. TIS students can self-book access to the lab and all its materials when carrying out their projects, under careful teacher supervision. The lab is also used for classroom teaching and after-school extracurricular activities.
As students gradually turn a concept into a reality, they develop project management skills, learn to self-assess and how to effectively manage their resources, being given a set time and basic instructions for completion. By utilising their creativity and innovation, they produce unique works that showcase the collaboration between different subjects.
