All About ATL (ATAL TINKERING LAB) by Atal Innovation Mission
Objective of ATL
- The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds and inculcate skills such as design mind-set, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing, rapid calculations, measurements 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).
Background
- The Government of India has setup the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog. Realising the need to create scientific temper and cultivate the spirit of curiosity and innovation among young minds, AIM proposes to support establishment of a network of Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) in India. ATL is a work space where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode and learn / develop innovation skills. The vision is to ‘Cultivate 1 Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators’.
Features of Scheme
ATLs can be established in schools (minimum Grade VI – X) managed by State/ Central Government, Local body (Municipality / Nagar Nigam), Private trusts/society or Tribal/Social welfare department etc.
Atal Tinkering Lab is an interactive workspace to inspire creativity and innovation. As you begin your journey, please go through the following points to ensure that you have an enriching learning experience:
ATL establishment: Schools are expected to set up your ATL within 3 months from the date of receipt of ATL grant. We have created a set of ATL guidelines and ATL informational videos, that are available here https://aim.gov.in/resources.php, that will help you in the ATL establishment process.
Financial transaction through PFMS: All ATLs are required to use the PFMS system for any financial transaction pertaining to the ATL. Schools need to register vendors on PFMS for all the payments and advances. PFMS guidelines and user manual are available here https://aim.gov.in/pdf/Guidelines-forregistration-on-PFMS.pdf
Procurement through GeM: Please note that it is mandatory to procure all ATL equipment and services through GeM portal. To create your GeM portal, please submit your request via the link : bit.ly/ATLGeM. The procurement guideline is available here https://aim.gov.in/pdf/Procurement_Guidelines.pdf
ATL Social Media: All ATLs are encouraged to create Facebook and Twitter accounts, share your ATL activities, innovation stories, tag Atal Innovation Mission, and follow us for regular updates, at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMToInnovate/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMtoInnovate
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AIMtoInnovate
Schools can learn how to open your facebook account here https://youtu.be/LDnSbsCpkNE
- ATL Teacher Training: It is mandatory for an ATL In-charge to undergo teacher training sessions conducted by AIM-NITI and its partners. The ATLs shall be informed regularly about teacher training programs, being organized by NITI Aayog or partners, through email.
- ATL Curriculum: The ATL in-charge should integrate ATL curriculum in your regular school time table. The ATL curriculum resources are available here https://aim.gov.in/resources-for-atl-incharge.php
- ATL Annual Calendar of activities:All ATLs are encouraged to participate in ATLAIM activities and external innovation events. The annual calendar for ATL activities is available here https://aim.gov.in/pdf/ATL-annual-calendarofactivities.pdf
- MyATL Dashboard: It is mandatory for every school to fill the monthly report and submit. Please log in to My ATL dashboard here https://aim.gov.in/atl/index.php, and share your monthly report with us
- Release of subsequent ATL funds: All ATLs shall be evaluated on a monthly and yearly basis, using My ATL dashboard and on-site visits. The release of subsequent funds shall be a function of the performance of an ATL. The ATL will be required to submit aUtilization Certificate, through the PFMS system to apply for subsequent tranches.
- ATL query resolution: For any query, write to us at the ATL helpline, available on the AIM website at https://aim.gov.in/atl/
ATL Mentor of Change: Each ATL shall be assigned a Mentor of Change, through AIM, NITI Aayog. The details for the mentors shall be shared on the registered email address of the ATL in-charge. The mentors shall connect with you directly, to coordinate the mentoring sessions for your ATL.
Update ATL contact detail: In case you would like to update your contact details in our ATL database, kindly log on to the My ATL dashboard and update the details
ATL Handbook: AIM has created the ATL handbook, which captures best practices and case studies for smooth running of your ATL. The ATL Handbook is available here: https://aim.gov.in/The_ATL_Handbook.pdf
National Science Day Celebration - February (28th February)
- Celebrated to mark India’s advancements in science and technology. A series of live sessions are organized by NITI Aayog, along with experts.
- Goal: Attract children to science and technology, and create awareness on the latest technological developments in India and across the globe and inspire them to innovate.
ATL Community Day Celebration - April (14th April)
- Celebrated in April across all schools in India as a tribute to the late Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, on the theme of Ambedkar Jayanti.
- Goal: Create awareness and introduce the local communities in the neighborhood, to an ATL and experience the world of science and futuristic technologies through various sessions and activities. All ATLs conduct events in their respective schools, as per the guidebook here: https://www.aim.gov.in/ATL_Community_Day
World Intellectual Property Day Celebration - April (26th April)
- Celebrated on 26th April, where a series of sessions (including facebook live) are organized by NITI Aayog, along with experts, in partnership with CIPAM, DPIT, Govt. of India.
- Goal: Create awareness on different types of intellectual property and teach students and teachers the process of protecting their IP.
National Technology Day Celebration - May (11th May)
- Celebrated to mark India’s technological advancements and entrepreneurial spirit. A series of live sessions are organized by NITI Aayog, along with experts.
- Goal: Attract children to science and technology, and create awareness on the latest technological developments in India and across the globe.
ATL Tinkering Festival (ATL Tinkerfest) May – July
- Celebrated in all ATLs in the month of May, June and July to showcase students’ innovative solutions.
- Goal: Engage students in creative, innovative, making and entrepreneurial activities, while at home, during their summer vacation. Subsequently, students present their innovations during the showcase at the ATL, as per the guidebook here: https://aim.gov.in/pdf/ATL_Tinkering_Festival.pdf
Unbox Tinkering: ATL Teacher Training
- All year round A series of residential ATL orientation and teacher training workshops are organized, by AIM, NITI Aayog, through multiple partners.
- Goal: To introduce ATL teachers to the concept and philosophy of ATL and tinkering, and provide them with the know-how of ATL equipment, design thinking and innovation process and 21st century skills of ATL.
ATL School of the Month Challenge July – August
- A challenge for all ATLs, where schools are required to submit innovative solutions on selected problems statements to AIM, NITI Aayog. The winning ATL teams are awarded with exciting prizes and national level opportunities to showcase their innovative solutions.
- Goal: To identify top student innovators across India and reward them
ATL Tinkering Marathon September – May
- A national level innovation challenge, where schools identify community problems of their choice, develop innovative solutions in the form of working prototypes or minimum viable product (MVP), and submit to AIM, NITI Aayog. The winning teams are offered several awards to take their innovative solutions to the next level, and also present them at several national level platforms.
- Goal: To identify top student innovators across India and reward them.
Children’s Day Celebration - November (14th November)
- Celebrated to recognize the top ATL innovators in each ATL. Each school is required to identify their top 2 student innovators (1 boy and 1 girl) and recognize them, through prizes and certificates.
- Goal: To celebrate creativity and innovation and provide a recognition platform for students.
