is an approach to learning increasingly adopted within informal learning settings to engage people with STEM learning (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). It builds on ideas in inquiry-based pedagogy and exploits some of the most engaging and motivational elements of learner-centered, immersive and hands-on learning approaches to develop 21st century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, problem solving, communication, responsibility, self-confidence, digital literacy and entrepreneurship. In a Tinkering activity, the learner is presented with wide-raging tools and materials which they use to explore STEM phenomena through the process of creating something new. The uniqueness of the Tinkering activities lies in their innovative methodology.

The pedagogy of Tinkering addresses people of all backgrounds and walks of life, and is characterized by: the active engagement with materials and activity, the intentionality of action and the conscious desire to learn how to learn. All this is found in activities as simple (or as complex) as

• putting objects together or taking them apart,
• making machines move or fly,
• designing,
• exploring materials, using mechanical elements or electricity to create original artefacts,
• sewing circuits together to make jewels,
• constructing ever-lasting chain reactions.