We Believe in Learning by Doing
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Tata Technologies Ltd. (TTL) and Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park formally collaborated to establish a Community Tinkering Center (CTC) at Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park now named Kalpakghar. We believe experimentation is a right of every student. By establishing Kalpakghar, students across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad have an access to the center where they can tinker their ideas and take take inspiration towards hands-on learning, learning by doing. Using everyday material to bring their scientific ideas and textbook concepts to life.
Innovate, Create, and Develop your STEM Activities
At Kalpakghar—Community Tinkering Centre, we strive to make learning both engaging and interactive by blending hands-on experiences and technology with traditional learning. Our approach enhances traditional education, fostering stronger connections between teachers and students while making the learning journey more enjoyable and impactful.
"Don't Just Look; Please Touch the Activities!
At Kalpakghar, visitors have the opportunity to engage with every activity and exhibit, offering a hands-on experience that enhances their understanding and insight into the inner workings of each display. This immersive approach provides a deeper, more meaningful connection to the concepts explored.
Kalpakghar Gallery
Know Your Kalpakghar
Community Tinkering Centre
Kalpakghar is basically made from two words Kalpak + ghar i e. House of imagination. It welcomes all the learners irrespective of subjects and boundaries of schools and colleges. Starting from 2 year old till 80 years old, grandma or grandpa can visit Kalpakghar and can participate in any of our activities.
Our Objectives
We have a clear objective to make learning engaging and accessible to All. Our objective is STEM for All. However, to define few, here are some:
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To make STEM accessible and engaging
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To make connections between textbooks and learning materials
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To connect STEM with low cost approach
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To make and grow STEM community
Hands-on
At Kalpakghar we have many new initiatives on elevating traditional learning scheme to a new height that enable learners to understand known things in a different way.
Daily hands-on demonstrations are conducted for visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can also join 3D printing and CNC pen plotter sessions, which require prior registration. Availability depends on workshop schedules.
Is Kalpakghar Free?
Yes, there are no fees. However, access to equipment is limited to students and teachers with valid school/institute ID cards. There is no separate fee for Kalpakghar activities. It is included in the Science Park entry fee.
Visitors coming to Pimpri Chinchwad science park can certainly come to the First floor Fun gallery where Kalpakghar is free and ready to access.
Workshops
Workshops require prior registration. Schools, parents, and individual visitors can join based on seat availability.
Pre-registration is not needed for daily hands-on demonstrations, but it is mandatory for 3D printing, CNC machine activities, and specific student and teacher workshops.
Working Hours
Kalpakghar operates according to the Science Park’s schedule:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Visitors
Kalpakghar activities are designed for visitors aged 6 years and above.
Yes, schools, colleges, and educational institutions can book group visits with prior registration.
Sessions are aligned with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) topics and emphasize low-cost, practical approaches that support classroom teaching.
Safety
Safety instructions are provided before every workshop. The center is equipped with fire extinguishing tools and follows crowd management practices, including rotating entry of visitors during busy times.
Kalpakghar activities are designed to be accessible to all skill levels, with no prior knowledge required.
Volunteers
Volunteers can send an email to kalpakghar@acads.iiserpune.ac.in
Engineering students can join our internship program, and teachers can become STEM mentors.
Self Guided Project
We provide lesson plans for teachers/Students and have an online repository and other STEM projects.
You can reach out via email for more details.
Membership
We offer a Kalpakghar Membership Card only to school students and teachers, which is free and available during workshops or school visits.
Newsletters
Subscribe to our newsletter or join our mailing list for regular updates. You can also check our blog for recent activities.
Stay connected with the latest workshops, tinkering activities, mentor spotlights, and exciting developments from our vibrant community.
STEM - Community Engagement Program
SPARSH Module
Learn to make STEM Hands-on at kalpakghar.
You can enroll yourself at the Kalpakghar to become a member of it. You can choose hands-on activities and can start your STEM journey with us.
Parakh Module
Participate in STEM investigations
at Kalpakghar.
You can enroll yourself at the Kalpakghar to become a member of it. You can choose STEM investigations modules to start your STEM journey with us.
Khatpat Module
Participate in a weekly STEM tinkering project at Kalpakghar.
You can enroll yourself at the Kalpakghar to become a member of it. You can choose STEM tinkering modules to start your STEM journey with us.
Sarthi Module
Becoming a STEM Mentor is easy! Send an email expressing your interest to [kalpakghar@acads.iiserpune.ac.in], including a brief introduction about yourself, your area of expertise, and why you’d like to join. Our team will reach out to you with further details.