Empowering Learners with Stick ‘Em
At Acorn Training, we are proud to offer innovative learning programmes that integrate the award-winning Stick ‘Em kit. This hands-on, challenge-based tool has transformed how schools approach STEM education by encouraging creativity, resourcefulness and real-world problem-solving.
Stick ‘Em kits are uniquely designed to be accessible, using simple materials like wooden chopsticks alongside electronic components. This reduces barriers to participation, especially in schools with limited resources, while fostering invention and discovery through practical learning.
Our programmes provide structured activities that align with the national curriculum, helping schools deliver meaningful STEM content without needing extensive technical expertise. Students are empowered to build, test and refine their ideas while developing crucial skills such as collaboration, resilience and critical thinking.
Design Thinking in Action
Design thinking is a central pillar of our educational approach at Acorn Training. By weaving this process into our programmes, we equip students with a structured yet flexible framework for innovation. The design thinking cycle begins with empathising, where learners are encouraged to consider the needs, challenges and perspectives of real users. This human-centred focus ensures that problem-solving is grounded in real-world relevance.
From there, students move to the definition phase, clearly identifying the core problems they want to solve. They then engage in ideation, generating a broad range of possible solutions, often using brainstorming and collaborative techniques to widen their creative scope. Next comes prototyping, where learners bring their ideas to life through tangible models using the Stick ‘Em kits. Finally, in the testing stage, they evaluate the success of their prototypes, reflect on feedback, and refine their designs accordingly.
This iterative and reflective approach not only encourages curiosity and resilience but also mirrors the workflow of engineers, designers and innovators in professional environments. By using design thinking, students do not just learn about technology—they learn to think like problem solvers, innovators and changemakers.
Optional AI Modules
At Acorn Training, we are committed to equipping students with future-ready skills. Our optional Artificial Intelligence (AI) components are thoughtfully designed to align with the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) AI for Fun (Primary) and AI for Fun (Secondary) initiative, ensuring that our learners receive education that is both current and relevant.
The AI for Fun programme, set to be introduced in 2025, offers primary and secondary students hands-on experiences in AI concepts such as Generative AI, smart robotics, and ethical considerations in AI usage. Similarly, our modules introduce students to foundational AI principles and natural language processing. Through interactive projects, students learn how AI systems process information, make decisions, and can be applied to solve real-world problems.
In line with IMDA’s emphasis on responsible AI, our curriculum also covers ethical issues, bias in algorithms, and the importance of data privacy. By embedding these AI modules into our STEM programmes, students gain essential digital fluency while engaging critically with emerging technologies.
Inspiring the Next Generation
By partnering with schools, we aim to make impactful STEM education inclusive, affordable and inspiring for all students. Stick ‘Em through Acorn Training unlocks opportunities for young minds to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Join us in shaping future innovators. Bring Stick ‘Em Robotics to your school and empower students with the tools to think critically, build creatively and solve real-world problems through STEM. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your learners with engaging, hands-on robotics education.