We’re shaping the problem-solvers of tomorrow!
Tinker Labs Debrecen – where every session is a WOW experience!
What is Tinker Labs?
Tinker Labs is a unique after-school programme for children aged 4–14, where learning happens through play, hands-on experiments and discovery.
During our sessions, children get a glimpse into the work of veterinarians, engineers, graphic and product designers, architects, space researchers, chemists, environmental scientists, programmers, robotics developers, geologists, archaeologists, agricultural engineers and many other exciting professions. (Just to name a few… 😊)
This helps them discover not only what interests them, but also how their curiosity and talents could connect to a real future career.
When the time comes to choose their next educational path, they will know more than simply “I’m good at maths” or “I enjoy drawing.” They will also understand how they can use these strengths and turn their knowledge into something meaningful in the real world. This self-awareness can lead to more confident decisions and a more successful future.
At the same time, our sessions develop skills that will be essential in the VUCA world of the future – a rapidly changing, unpredictable, complex and uncertain world where knowledge alone is not enough. Children will also need to adapt, think critically and work effectively with others.
Our approach is called STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
This does not mean that we teach these subjects separately. Quite the opposite:
👉 With each new topic, we bring science and technology together with art and creative thinking. This means that children do not simply learn – they experience, understand and apply what they discover, just as they would in real life.
Let’s take a simple but exciting challenge: building a bridge!
How would we approach this at Tinker Labs? In other words, how do we put the STEAM method into practice?
🧪 Science – Why doesn’t a bridge collapse? What do load-bearing capacity, weight and gravity mean? We experiment to see what happens when we build with different materials.
⚙️ Technology – How can tools help us? We might use a measuring tape, a glue gun, screws or even simulation software.
🏗️ Engineering – Which structure works best? Which shape can support the most weight? We build, test and redesign.
🎨 Arts – What should the bridge look like? How can we make it not only stable, but also beautiful, full of character or even inspired by a story?
📐 Mathematics – How wide should the opening be? How long should the supports be? How much weight can the bridge hold? We measure, estimate and calculate.
🎯 Every Tinker Labs session brings all five elements of STEAM into the learning process.
Children think like scientists, use technology, design with an engineer’s mindset, express their creativity and use mathematics to measure, estimate and calculate.
How do we teach at Tinker Labs?
🧩
Problem-solving
Thinking through challenges, experimenting, learning from mistakes and redesigning
What skills do children develop at Tinker Labs?
At Tinker Labs, we do more than share knowledge – we help children build skills they will use throughout their lives.
The world they are growing up in is changing faster than ever. It is increasingly unpredictable and complex. This is often described as a VUCA world: Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. In this environment, success depends not only on what children know, but also on how they think, adapt and respond to new challenges.
During Tinker Labs sessions, children develop essential skills they can draw on in any future career and every area of life:
💡
Creativity
Coming up with new ideas and exploring unconventional approaches
🤝
Collaboration
Working as a team, listening to one another and offering support
🗣️
Communication
Expressing thoughts, questions, ideas and opinions clearly
🔍
Critical thinking
Asking questions, investigating and recognising connections
💪
Confidence and independence
Realising, again and again: “I can do this myself!
🗣️
Persistence and adaptability
When something does not work the first time, we look for another solution
🧠
Project-based thinking
Learning how to turn an idea into a plan and build a working solution step by step
✍️
Fine motor and pre-writing skills
Every child carries out each experiment themselves!
Why choose Tinker Labs?
Innovative learning
programme
A one-of-a-kind, comprehensive year-long programme built around an integrated STEAM approach.
Small-group sessions
With no more than 10 children in each group, every child receives the attention and support they need.
A carefully designed programme created by experts from a wide range of scientific fields.
Unique, internationally developed curriculum
Modern learning environment
Our modern, flexible classrooms are fully equipped with tools that encourage children to experiment, explore and think creatively.
Trained and certified instructors
Our experienced, qualified instructors guide children’s learning through the joy and excitement of discovery.
Our Courses
For children aged 8–12
Weekly 60-minute class
Our sessions take place in small groups and are tailored to each age group. Classes are held on weekday afternoons, making them easy to fit into your family’s daily routine.
We currently offer one of our courses in English.
More than just courses
Tinker Labs is not only a place for after-school learning – it is also where lifelong memories are made.
Birthday parties, summer camps, themed activity days… Whatever the programme, children explore how the world works through play while discovering their hidden talents – and themselves!
Mini Scientists Summer Camp
We are welcoming children to two camp sessions this summer!
Tinker Birthday Party
10 exciting themes to choose from
