In a world increasingly shaped by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the importance of fostering a strong foundation in these fields from an early age cannot be overstated. Mrs. Deepti Sharma, a visionary in the field of EdTech and Child Learning & Development, whose profound insights and 22+ years of experience have given rise to an innovative venture known as ThinkerPlace.
Recognizing a critical gap in the Indian education system, Mrs. Sharma’s brainchild, ThinkerPlace, seeks to revolutionize how children approach STEM subjects. In this exclusive interview, we will see the inspiration behind this educational endeavor, the significance of STEM education for young minds, and the unique contributions of ThinkerPlace in shaping the future of learning. Join us on a journey into the world of STEM, where knowledge meets imagination, and education takes flight.
A small introduction about the founder
Mrs. Deepti Sharma, Director of ThinkerPlace and the Director of Lexicon Kids has over 22+ years of experience across Ed-Tech, Child Learning & Development. She identified that there is a huge gap in the Indian Education System where children only focus on textbook knowledge. She witnessed how kids face a massive challenge while learning difficult subjects like science and mathematics. That is when she came up with the idea of ThinkerPlace. (store.spaceylon.com)
What inspired you to start ThinkerPlace in the field of EdTech and STEM education?
In recognizing a prevalent challenge faced by children today, we’ve observed that many young learners struggle with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects due to a lack of practical application in their education. To address this issue, we conceived ThinkerPlace, a platform designed to empower kids by enabling them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Our journey began in 2020, during the peak of the lockdown era, when access to hands-on learning was severely limited. This presented the ideal opportunity to introduce educational toys into the lives of young learners.
ThinkerPlace is on a mission to cultivate a dynamic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) environment for children. Through our range of educational STEM DIY Toys, we strive to introduce futuristic skills such as robotics, coding, automation, IoT, and more. Our aspiration is to become the go-to resource for both children and parents seeking to explore the world of S.T.E.M and unlock its boundless possibilities through engaging and educational DIY toys.
Why is STEM education important for children, and how does ThinkerPlace contribute to it uniquely?
STEM Education is essential for kids today. According to research conducted by American Affairs, employment in STEM education has grown by 80% since 1990. A study was conducted by Dell that shows that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 which have not been even invented yet will be STEM jobs.
STEM learning trains budding minds to think critically, be resilient to rejection, and keep trying until they succeed. It instills the skill of finding solutions in kids and never letting failure consume them. Our DIY toys focus on inculcating futuristic skills like coding, automation, robotics, and more in kids.
We work on simplifying difficult concepts for children by using our specially designed DIY toys. With these toys, children can learn S.T.E.M-based concepts by themselves without the help of a teacher or a guardian. These toys promote problem-solving skills, team building skills, critical thinking and make them independent at a very young age.
What makes ThinkerPlace’s STEM educational DIY toys stand out from the competition?
All our DIY Kits come with access to the Learning Management System with which kids can learn a variety of innovative skills like robotics, coding, automation, IoT and much more. The kits are much more than just a toy. Kids are able to make their own gadgets, learn new-age skills from exciting interactive videos & 3D animations, and get guidance from our STEM experts.
Can you give examples of advanced STEM concepts integrated into your toys and how they benefit children’s learning?
In our toys, we have advanced concepts that kids learn like robotics, coding, electronics and automation. These skills are crucial in today’s world and in the future. It enhances their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, logical thinking, etc.  Â
Why does ThinkerPlace emphasize early childhood STEM education, and how do your products cater to young learners?
We had recently introduced products for kids 3 years and above. These DIY toys introduces the basics of STEM in a fun and interactive way. Kids learn the concepts of magnetism, solar energy and electricity with these toys. Early exposure to STEM concepts fosters a strong foundation for future learning, equipping them with essential skills that are increasingly in demand in our technology-driven world. By instilling a passion for STEM early on, we empower children to tackle complex challenges and contribute to innovative solutions that can positively impact society.
Have you received positive feedback or success stories from parents, teachers, or students who’ve used your products?
Yes, we have been fortunate to receive an abundance of positive feedback and success stories from parents, teachers, and students who have engaged with our STEM DIY toys. Many parents have shared how our products have ignited a newfound interest in science and technology in their children. They’ve reported seeing improvements in problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Teachers have noted that our toys complement classroom learning exceptionally well, enhancing their students’ understanding of complex STEM concepts. These success stories affirm our commitment to making STEM education accessible and engaging for children, and we continue to be driven by the positive impact our toys have on young minds.
How do you envision ThinkerPlace evolving to meet changing educational needs and emerging technologies?
STEM education is becoming increasingly important in India, as the country seeks to become a leader in technology and innovation. We believe that there is a growing awareness of the need for STEM education, and we expect to see more schools and parents prioritizing this type of learning in the coming years. ThinkerPlace can play an important role in shaping the future of STEM-based education in India by creating high-quality products that are accessible to all children. We are committed to working closely with schools and educators to ensure that our products align with their curriculum and learning objectives, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate our products to meet the changing needs of students and educators. We believe that by providing children with engaging and effective STEM learning experiences, we can help prepare them for success in the digital age and contribute to the growth and development of India’s innovation ecosystem.
What advice do you have for parents and educators on incorporating STEM education into children’s lives using ThinkerPlace’s offerings?
Parents and educators play a fundamental role in encouraging children to take an interest in STEM-based learning. By providing children with opportunities to explore and experiment with STEM concepts, they can help develop their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Parents and educators can also help children see the real-world applications of STEM concepts and show them how they can use these skills to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
As we conclude this illuminating interview with Mrs. Deepti Sharma, the founder of ThinkerPlace, we are left with a profound appreciation for the transformative potential of STEM education in the lives of young learners. Mrs. Sharma’s dedication to bridging the gap in traditional educational systems by introducing hands-on, innovative STEM DIY toys is nothing short of inspiring. ThinkerPlace’s commitment to instilling curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for lifelong learning in children is evident. As we move forward into a future where STEM plays an increasingly pivotal role, ThinkerPlace stands as a beacon of hope and possibility, empowering the next generation to not only embrace the challenges of tomorrow but also to shape them with creativity and ingenuity. In this dynamic landscape of education, ThinkerPlace truly exemplifies the adage that knowledge is not just to be acquired but to be experienced, explored, and celebrated.
