ABSTRACT
The rise and popularity of the maker movement is evidence that the impulse for object play—irresistible in children—is also present in adults, but older players often require instruction to engage in activities that seem unproductive or immature. The name Tinkertopia communicates not only how very well suited the space is to tinkering, but also the perfect joy to be found in disassembling and reassembling, in playing with objects, without rules or limitations. Tinkering is fun, and while tinkerers are happily engaged they discover new potential in available resources, including themselves. The TinkerLab website contains a suggested supplies list that would entice almost anyone to develop a tinkering habit. As sensory data are collected, the hands become more adept at manipulating objects, and imagination and problem-solving skills advance, leading to the recombination of objects in building and making activities.
