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Case Study: Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for boys


Ibtechar was entrusted with a pivotal project by the Ministry of Education to establish a state-of-the-art fabrication and prototyping lab at the Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for boys (QSTSS).

Embedding innovation through practical education


Ibtechar successfully delivered a cutting-edge fabrication and prototyping lab for the Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for boys (QSTSS)., addressing the needs from design and installation to training and ongoing support. The lab has provided the school’s students with the opportunity for hands-on learning and a space to develop their creative and innovative skills.

Overview and Objectives


Ibtechar’s responsibilities included procuring, installing, and commissioning lab equipment and software, training lab personnel, one year of maintenance for the lab machinery, design consultancy for the lab’s interior, and educational sessions for students. Our project team managed procurement, installation, commissioning, and training, and included educational specialists focused on creating and delivering a customised curriculum for students.


Infrastructure 


The procurement phase spanned from January to March 2018, with equipment deliveries beginning in late March and stored on-site until installation. This began with a design consultancy exercise, during which the Ibtechar team meticulously planned the layout of the facility, determining the optimal placement of each machine for workflow efficiency, and designed the interior aesthetics, selecting appropriate furniture and auxiliary equipment to support each machine's operation. Installation and commissioning commenced upon the arrival of all equipment. 


The project team comprised a project engineer, lab manager, and four technical engineers, each handling specific tasks from procurement to commissioning. This included setting up heavy machinery and software, conducting functional testing for all equipment such as laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC machines, and power tools, performing electrical load testing, and final user testing to ensure everything functioned correctly.


Curriculum development


The Education Unit of Ibtechar developed a tailored curriculum to teach students the basics of design and manufacturing. The curriculum included clear frameworks for these topics, along with practical exercises to help students apply what they learned using the lab equipment. 


To support effective learning and ensure engagement, the team created student worksheets and reflection questions to encourage deeper understanding. Both student and teacher guides were also provided to ensure the material was easy to follow and aligned with the lab's technology. This approach ensured students could effectively use the equipment and grasp the essential concepts of digital fabrication.


Training of Trainers


The DF team provided a three-day technical training session for the school's STEM teachers. The training covered an introductory session on objectives, digital fabrication introduction, and a lab tour. The sessions initially targeted the lab engineer and ICT teacher but were extended to all STEM teachers upon the school's request, ensuring comprehensive knowledge transfer and readiness for the upcoming academic year.


It included modules on:

  • 3D printing (FDM technology, materials, CAM software usage, and machine maintenance), 

  • 3D scanning (introduction, software use, and good practices), 

  • laser cutting (machine components, control software, demo cutting, and material guidelines), 

  • CNC machining (non-metal and metal: machine components, software use, changing bits, and CAM simulation), 

  • power tools (functionality, accessories, limitations, and user manuals), 

  • Fab Lab management (network overview, policies, protocols, operation logistics, maintenance, inventory management, and procurement)

Impact


Ibtechar’s digital fabrication unit concluded its involvement at the end of 2018, with the successful commissioning of all equipment. The education unit continues to provide customised curriculum delivery and technical educational sessions for QSTSS students, enhancing their learning experiences and practical skills.


The project has provided QSTSS with advanced resources and a conducive learning environment, promoting innovation and hands-on learning. This comprehensive approach ensures the lab remains a valuable asset for the school, fostering a new generation of skilled and innovative students.


Let’s innovate together


Talk to Ibtechar about your next innovation project — and we’ll guide you through each stage from the drawing board to project implementation.