Program

Atal Tinkering Lab (SSA)

ATAL TINKERING LAB(ATL)

ATL is an approach of Central government of India to create an environment of scientific temperament, innovation, creativity amongst Indian Students. It is a step towards a new India.ATL focuses on creating an environment that promotes the students to think, create, innovate new ideas, the equipment allows them to tinker, the curriculum enables them to structure their thinking in a challenging environment and enables to test themselves. ATL lab would teach students essential 21st-century skills which will help them in developing their professional and personal skills.

Background :

The Government of India has setup the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog. Realizing the need to create scientific temper and cultivate the spirit of curiosity and innovation among young minds, AIM proposes to support the establishment of a network of Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL). ATL is a workspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands-on do-it-yourself mode and learn innovation skills.

Objectives :

The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds and inculcate skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc. Young children will get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand what, how and why aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds and inculcate skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc. Young children will get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand what, how and why aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

ATL would contain educational and learn “do it yourself” kits and equipment on – science, electronics, robotics, open source microcontroller boards, sensors and 3D printers etc.

Features of Scheme :

ATLs can be established in schools (minimum Grade VI – X) managed by Government, local body or private trusts/society. Minimum 25% of the ATLs would be set up in schools managed by Government (Central / States)

The applicant schools would be provided financial support in the form of Grant-in-aid for a maximum period of 5 years.

Key aspects of funding ATLs in schools :

One time establishment charge of up to Rs. 10.0 lakh would be provided for each ATL in the first year for instruments, equipment like do-it-yourself kits, 3D printer, etc. An illustrative list of equipment and kits is at Annex IV. A checklist of mandatory equipment and other infrastructure would be communicated to selected schools. The schools will procure equipment and kits at their end, however the AIM will fix their rates. 1 Neoteric means a person who advocates new ideas.

An amount of Rs. 10.0 lakh would be provided for each ATL over a maximum period of 5 years for operation of ATLs, maintenance of equipment, purchase of consumables, organising popular science lecture series and other scientific activities, competitions and payment of honorariums to the faculty and mentors involved. Contributions from philanthropic and other institutions and under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) would be encouraged for financing / upgrading ATLs. Local Industry / Institution will be encouraged to support the initiative by creating subject/domain specific exhibits/tinkering laboratory facilities. Infrastructure

The applicant school would have to provide at least 1,500 sq. ft. of built up space. Applicant schools from hilly and island states would have to provide atleast 1,000 sq. ft. of built up space. The existing facilities for meeting rooms and video conferencing among others can be used to supplement the laboratory space.

The program of establishment of ATLs across the country would be handled by a National Coordinator (NC) in AIM Directorate.

Applicant schools intending to establish ATLs may visit http://www.niti.gov.in and submit their application online to the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. The prescribed application formats are at Annex III. Necessary documents can also be uploaded online.

The applications would be evaluated based on Selection Criteria (Annex II).

Short listed schools will be invited to participate in an Innovation Contest which will be informed by AIM. Each school will form groups of maximum 3 students and send one entry for the contest. The entries will be judged on the basis of following parameters: a. Novelty of innovation in identified areas b. Clarity of expression c. Demonstration d. Potential impact

Teams of top 3 entries will be given an opportunity to participate in Intel Science and Engineering Fair.

Selected Schools will be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) (Annex V) and Bond (Annex VI) with AIM Directorate.

The above Scheme and guidelines are subject to periodic review in consultation with stakeholders.

Seletion Criteria :

• Applications will be solicited from eligible schools to establish ATL.
• The eligibility criteria for schools are:

Infrastructure :

• All weather area (1,500 sq. ft.)
• All weather area (1,000 sq. ft.) in hilly and island states, UTs
• Functional computer with internet facility
• Electricity connection

Faculty :

• Dedicated & qualified staff : Maths & Sciences

Reach :

• Enrolment – Min. 200 students in Grade VI – X
• Regular attendance of 75% & above of the staff & enrolled students over the past 3 years

 The parameters to be used for screening of schools are:

Performance of Students :

• % of students scoring 70 – 80% in Grade X & XII board exams in previous 3 years
• % of students scoring 80 – 90% in Grade X & XII board exams previous 3 years
• % of students scoring 90% and above in Grade X & XII board exams in previous 3 years
• Participation of school in science-related activities at district, state and national level

Reach :

• Total enrolment of students in Grade VI – XII Implementation Plan
• Activity plan
• Linkages to mentors
• Plan to tap private sector / CSR funding for sustaining operations &

Selection Process :

Invite Applications Screening Final Selection: Contest Round II

JHARKHAND ATL STATUS