learning through the

power of play

Purposeful play is based on pedagogical methods like project-based learning, which have been proven to enhance student learning results while fostering a passion for learning. It motivates students to methodically investigate, experiment, and consistently refine their approach.

Learning in the 21st Century

Tennessee Robotics Center is a 21st-century STEM and Robotics Education learning center helping students in grades K-12 discover new interests by exploring our three primary learning domains: Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science. Our curriculum is focused on building 21st-century digital-age skills including critical thinking, engineering design, teamwork, collaboration, and computational thinking.


TRC students have additional opportunities to make a positive impact in their local community through our TRCompetition robotics teams in FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge. The primary aim of our robotics classes, competitions, and camps is to inspire students and help parents prepare the way for college and STEM careers through our engaging robotics and engineering education programs.


Purposeful Play Develops a Lifelong Love of Learning

The importance of continuous learning has long been apparent due to the fast-paced advancements, the evolving nature of society, and the influence of technology on our daily lives. While fundamental skills are essential, it is becoming increasingly crucial to emphasize the comprehensive growth of learners by nurturing holistic abilities. Enhancing 21st-century competencies such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity is pivotal. These holistic skills not only foster personal development but also play a key role in achieving lifelong success and happiness.

4 Reasons why STEM and Robotics education is essential in building confident students in the 21st century

01

improves learning

Having confidence empowers the student to learn and grow new skills.

02

Embraces failure

Learning to accept risk and embrace failure at an early age builds confidence.

03

hands on, minds on

Hands on learning builds confidence to think creatively and improves critical thinking.

04

extends to all learning

Having confidence in STEM learning improves learning outcomes in other areas.

Source: LEGO Education, 2023. 4 Reasons Why STEAM Education is Essential to Preparing Today's Students for Tomorrow.

A poster about why steam education is essential to preparing today 's students for tomorrow.

purposeful play

LEGO Education suggests that by incorporating purposeful play into the curriculum, schools and learning centers can effectively tackle learning obstacles with a comprehensive approach that permeates the entire educational journey. A report by the Brookings Institute draws a link between playful learning and the development of 21st-century skills, highlighting how a playful approach not only captivates students but also enhances skill-building and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Download: Time to Rethink Learning
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Why STEM and Robotics Education?

According to the Future of Jobs Report, these are the top 7 STEM jobs created from 2023 to 2027:


  • AI and Machine Learning Specialists
  • Sustainability Specialists
  • Business Intelligence Analysts
  • Information Security Analysts
  • FinTech Engineers
  • Data Analysts and Scientists
  • Robotics Engineers


resilience, flexibility, and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning


Analytical thinking is considered a core soft skill by more companies than any other skill and constitutes, on average, 9% of the core skills reported by companies. Creative thinking, another cognitive skill, ranks second, ahead of three self-efficacy skills – resilience, flexibility, and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning – in recognition of the importance of workers' ability to adapt to disrupted workplaces.


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Classes + competitions + camps + Community = connection

Connect with others who Share

Common Interests

TRC is a unique space where you can connect with like-minded students and develop personally, be it through a class, camp, teamwork, or the strength community.

You can find your people at TRC!

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