Homeschool Community Class descriptions and registration details for Spring 2025.
The Tennessee Robotics Center is excited about partnering with our local homeschool community to offer robotics and engineering classes for a diverse population of students. TRC classes are the perfect supplement to an at-home education, providing hands-on learning and an opportunity to make friends and connect with like-minded families.
Classes are offered in a variety of subjects with a robotics engineering and design focus and are available for students in elementary, middle, and high school, making TRC a great learning opportunity for the whole family!
TRCommunity homeschool classes meet on Mondays and Thursdays.
Every year, I select a three-word vision statement for my program to ignite inspiration in my students. For this year, our vision statement is "Dare to Explore," aimed at encouraging our students to courageously dive into the deep waters of Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science together.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Let's Dare to Explore!
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Michael Puckett, Founder and Director
Tennessee Robotics Center | TRC Education
TRC Technology learning domain covers fundamental concepts in engineering technology including 3D printing, 3D design (CAD), engineering mechanics, electronics, pneumatics, engineering design, prototyping, aeronautics, and many more engineering technology topics integrated throughout our programs.
TRC Robotics learning domain covers designing and building autonomous and driver-controlled robots. Classes include robotics discovery, exploration, challenge and engineering. TRC robotics classes provide students with an in-depth look at the mechanics, electronics, and programming to design and build high-tech robotics.
TRC Computer Science domain promotes computational thinking and basic programming by providing introductory coding courses in Blocks, Python, Javascript, and OnBot Java. An emphasis is placed on coding used in programming robots. We also teach coding using games such as Minecraft EDU and CodeCombat.
Elementary Engineering II is an engaging and interactive course specifically designed for younger students in elementary grades 3-5. This innovative program invites students to explore the fascinating world of engineering and its profound impact on our daily lives and the technology that surrounds us. Through a thoughtful combination of theoretical concepts and hands-on projects, students will take on the exciting roles of physicists and engineers. They will immerse themselves in three carefully crafted engineering projects that allow them to engage in essential engineering principles, foundational aerodynamics, and intricate design processes. Among these enriching activities are designing and constructing LEGO robotic arms, experimenting with aerospace engineering through building FT STEM gliders, and delving into the world of 3D computer-aided design using Tinker Cad. This blend of learning experiences aims to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in young minds while making engineering both fun and accessible.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Students delve into the fascinating world of metallic robotic vehicles, featuring innovative creations such as rovers, rock crawlers, and sleek racecars. They will explore the underlying engineering principles, intricate design processes, and real-world applications that make these vehicles so remarkable. Throughout this engaging experience, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience in designing, building, and rigorously testing these robotic vehicles while simultaneously learning about the sophisticated electronic systems that power them. Join us for this exciting journey into the realm of rovers, rock crawlers, and racecars, where students will have the opportunity to transform their creative ideas into tangible realities, driving innovation in both robotics and vehicle design! This program promises not only to inspire but also to equip students with the essential skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of technology and engineering.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Students embark on an exciting journey to learn how to code while immersing themselves in a fun and adventurous game filled with a variety of engaging learning experiences to explore. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to cater to elementary-age students, ensuring that students can start their coding journey at a level that suits them best, with options ranging from beginner-friendly challenges to advanced coding adventures. The innovative synchronized text-based and block-based coding system empowers students to seamlessly switch between writing text code and manipulating code blocks at any time during their learning process. This unique feature allows students to convert text-based codes into visual blocks, enabling them to construct algorithms more efficiently while enhancing their understanding through visualization. As they write and manipulate code, they not only develop their technical skills but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the creative possibilities of programming.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Intro to Engineering is an exciting hands-on course designed specifically for middle school students, aimed at igniting their curiosity and passion for the world of engineering. This engaging course delves into the vast realms of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), offering students a unique opportunity to connect theoretical concepts with practical applications. In this dynamic environment, students take on the roles of engineers, immersing themselves in three carefully selected engineering projects that challenge them to explore fundamental yet intriguing engineering principles. These projects include an introduction to electronics, intermediate aerodynamics, and aerospace engineering, specifically focusing on larger airplanes. As they progress through the curriculum, students will advance to more sophisticated engineering design projects, utilizing tools such as TinkerCad to bring their innovative ideas to life, ultimately fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity in the field of engineering.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Delve into the captivating and ever-evolving world of metallic robotic vehicles, where innovation meets functionality. In this exploration, we will examine various types of robotic vehicles, including versatile rovers, rugged rock crawlers, and high-speed racecars, all while uncovering the intricate engineering principles, design processes, and practical real-world applications that underpin them. Students will not only gain valuable theoretical knowledge but will also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences, allowing them to design, build, code, and rigorously test robotic vehicles. Throughout this immersive journey, they will delve into the essential electronic systems that power these machines, enhancing their understanding of how these components work in harmony to create cutting-edge robotics solutions.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Students embark on an exciting journey to learn coding through an engaging and adventurous game that offers a multitude of educational quests to explore. The carefully crafted curriculum is tailored specifically for middle school students, ensuring that students can start their coding journey at the level that best suits their skills and interests. They have the freedom to select from both easy and advanced coding adventures, making the learning experience both accessible and challenging. A unique feature of the program is the synchronized text-based and block-based coding system, which empowers students to seamlessly switch between writing text code and using visual code blocks at any time during their learning process. This dual approach not only enhances their understanding but also allows them to convert text-based codes into blocks, enabling them to construct algorithms more efficiently. By visualizing the code as they write, students can grasp complex concepts more easily and gain confidence in their coding abilities, all while enjoying the thrill of the game.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Engineering Pathways 2 is a comprehensive program that meticulously guides students through the diverse educational routes available for aspiring engineers. This program is particularly beneficial for those who are passionate about various fields such as mechanics, computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, or aerospace technology. By participating in this course, students gain access to a well-structured roadmap that helps them navigate their engineering journey with clarity and purpose. Throughout this enriching two-semester course, which is conducted in both the Fall and Spring, students engage in hands-on projects where they develop innovative design solutions and meticulously document their progress in an engineering notebook. This process not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters critical thinking and creativity, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors in the field of engineering.
Spring student projects include engineering design using OnShape, building and programming robotic arms, and designing original aircraft using FT STEM airplane kits.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Mechatronics 2 introduces students to the dynamic and exciting field of robotics and mechatronics, where the disciplines of mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming intersect to form cohesive and innovative robotic systems that are often used in various competitions. Through a variety of hands-on activities and collaborative projects, participants not only gain essential skills for designing, constructing, and maintaining intricate robotic systems but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are vital in the engineering world. The curriculum leverages the robust REV DUO line of products, ensuring that students have access to top-notch resources that provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience. As part of their journey, students are encouraged to develop creative design solutions and meticulously document their progress in an engineering notebook, fostering a deeper understanding of the engineering process and the importance of keeping thorough records. This immersive approach prepares them for future challenges in the field of robotics and beyond including our TRCompetition teams.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Computer Science 1 embarks on an exciting journey through the fascinating realms of coding, electronics, and robotics. Throughout this engaging course, students will delve deeply into the world of coding while simultaneously mastering fundamental concepts of electronics and hardware. Following a carefully structured roadmap, students will work collaboratively to fix their damaged spaceship, encountering a series of immersive challenges along the way. In-depth repair missions will include rejuvenating their solar panel in order to revitalize the entertainment system, all while engaging in a captivating curriculum that introduces the essentials of coding and circuitry! As students acquire invaluable coding and hardware expertise, they will start with basic wiring and programming techniques, gradually advancing to more complex repairs that will encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This course not only fosters creativity but also empowers students to bring their innovative ideas to life through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of three students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants. Thank you for your understanding.
Vectors is our online newsletter engineered to inspire students in their pursuit of God's extraordinary calling. We aim to equip students with tools and inspiration to embark on a path of remarkable achievements, as they delve into the realms of science, technology, engineering, art/design, and math. We envision these students as the trailblazers who will shape the future of technology in the 21st century.