Tinkering School Philosophy and Practices

The video introduces Tinkering School, a place where children are trusted to use tools and materials to explore and create without a set curriculum or tests. The school offers a six-day immersive experience focused on building, learning from failures, and developing problem-solving skills. Children learn to innovate with available materials, leading to surprising and impressive creations. The video concludes with a demonstration of a rollercoaster built by seven-year-olds, highlighting the success of the program.

What is the primary philosophy behind Tinkering School?

• Focusing on academic excellence

• Trusting kids with tools and freedom

• Providing a competitive environment

• Strict adherence to a curriculum

What is the main goal of the Tinkering School experience?

• To prepare kids for exams

• To ensure kids have fun

• To teach specific skills

• To help kids learn through experimentation

What is the ultimate realization for kids at Tinkering School?

• That they should avoid risks

• That they must follow instructions

• That they can figure things out by experimenting

• That they need guidance to succeed

How does Tinkering School view failure?

• As a sign of incompetence

• As a reason to give up

• As a learning opportunity

• As a setback to be avoided

What is emphasized more at Tinkering School, the process or the final product?

• Neither, both are equally important

• The process of doing

• The final product

• The speed of completion

What is the role of the adults at Tinkering School?

• To evaluate and grade

• To supervise strictly

• To act as collaborators

• To instruct and lead

What unique behavior emerges when kids face complex challenges?

• They seek help from adults

• They give up

• They start decorating their projects

• They switch to a different project

What is the purpose of decoration in unfinished projects?

• To make them look better

• To incubate new ideas and insights

• To distract from the main task

• To serve as a break from work

What materials are available for use at Tinkering School?

• Only wood and nails

• Only safe, non-dangerous items

• All materials, including plastic bags

• Only pre-approved materials

What surprising structure did the kids build?

• A wooden house

• A rollercoaster

• A treehouse

• A bridge