FabLab O Internship
Creative Technology Education Through Making and Digital Fabrication
>>FabLab O, affiliated with the College of Design and Innovation at Tongji University, focuses on creative technology education and interdisciplinary learning through hands-on making.
As an intern, I contributed to the development and delivery of workshops that introduced young learners to science, design, digital fabrication, and creative problem-solving through practical experimentation and prototyping.
Keywords
Creative Technology
STEM Education
Workshop Design
Rapid Prototyping
Role
Creative Technology Educator
Duration
3 Months
01 /
Internship Context
My journey began through community outreach and developed into an internship exploring how hands-on technology education can foster creativity in young learners.
I was first introduced to the FabLab while volunteering at a community outreach programme focused on science education for children and families.
Through this experience, I learned that the FabLab is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation among young people through hands-on technological education.
02 /
Myriad Creations: Galaxias Workshop
Maker Faire Shanghai
An accessible galaxy-lamp workshop translated basic electronics and astronomy into a playful making experience for over 300 children.
I independently organised and led the “Myriad Creations – Galaxias” workshop during the >>2023 Maker Faire Shanghai. The workshop engaged over 300 children in creating their own “galaxy lamps,” combining basic LED circuit structures with accessible materials such as cotton and wire.
By simplifying both the making process and material system, the workshop successfully fostered children’s understanding of galaxy-related knowledge and basic electronics, while allowing them to freely express their imagination through personalised planetary creations.
Difficulties:
Complex concepts — simple, playful making experience
One-week timeframe — including design, sourcing, and implementation
A limited budget of under 15p per person — without compromising creativity or educational value
03 /
3D Printer Modification
Modifying G-code and machine components transformed a discarded 3D printer into an experimental tool for sound, writing, and drawing.
Playing a Christmas song
Writing Chinese characters
Drawing a designated pattern
04 /
Christmas Tree Circuit Board
A programmable circuit board combined light, sound, and simple electronics to create an approachable festive learning activity for children.
At Christmas 2023, a colleague and I co-developed and produced a Christmas tree–shaped circuit board for children participating in the activity.
By integrating multicolour LEDs, a simple microchip, and a small speaker, the board is capable of playing a selection of Christmas songs while displaying varied lighting patterns.
