TRC science & Engineering

Discoverers (K-2): Where Curiosity Takes Flight 

Young scientists explore through wonder-driven investigation, hands-on building, and playful problem-solving. They learn to ask questions, make observations, and discover that they can build real things that actually work. 1-hour sessions keep engagement high while building foundational habits of scientific thinking.

Space Explorers

Blast off on a journey through our solar system! Young astronauts explore planets, moons, and stars while building rockets, designing rovers, and constructing space habitats. Students develop early engineering skills through hands-on building challenges that bring the wonders of space exploration to life. Portfolio-based assessment with parent documentation packet.

Animal Engineers

Discover how animals are nature's greatest engineers! Students investigate animal habitats, adaptations, and survival strategies while designing animal-inspired structures and simple machines. From beaver dams to spider webs, young engineers learn that the best ideas often come from observing the natural world. Portfolio-based assessment with parent documentation packet.

Earth Detectives

Become a scientist investigating our amazing planet! Students explore weather patterns, rock formations, and the water cycle through hands-on experiments and engineering challenges. Young detectives build weather instruments, create erosion models, and discover how Earth's systems work together. Portfolio-based assessment with parent documentation packet.

Ocean Discovery

Dive into the wonders of ocean science! Students explore marine life, ocean ecosystems, and the principles of buoyancy while building boats, testing submarines, and designing underwater exploration tools. This course brings the mysteries of the deep to life through engaging experiments and creative engineering challenges. Portfolio-based assessment with parent documentation packet.

Explorers (3-5) From Wonder to Doing

Students transition from guided exploration to independent investigation, using real robotics platforms and digital sensors. They learn to collect data, test hypotheses, and iterate on designs—building confidence as young engineers who solve real problems.

Astronomy & Space Systems

Journey beyond Earth to explore the mechanics of our solar system and beyond. Students investigate orbital mechanics, lunar phases, and space mission design while building scale models, programming simple spacecraft simulations, and collecting astronomical data. Engineering challenges include rover design, rocket stability testing, and mission planning. NGSS-aligned with portfolio documentation.

Biomimicry & Animal Adaptations

Explore how engineers solve problems by learning from nature. Students study animal adaptations, ecosystem relationships, and the principles of biomimicry while designing and testing bio-inspired solutions to engineering challenges. Projects include building structures that mimic animal designs and prototyping nature-based technologies. NGSS-aligned with portfolio documentation.

Earth Systems & Weather Science

Investigate the powerful forces that shape our planet. Students explore meteorology, geology, and climate science while building sensor systems, collecting weather data, and analyzing patterns. Engineering challenges include constructing weather stations, designing flood-resistant structures, and creating climate models. NGSS-aligned with portfolio documentation.

Marine Science & Ocean Engineering

Explore ocean science through the lens of marine engineering. Students investigate oceanography, marine ecosystems, and the physics of underwater systems while designing buoyancy experiments, building basic ROV components, and analyzing water quality data. This course prepares students for advanced marine technology studies. NGSS-aligned with portfolio documentation.

Math for Makers

Transform abstract math into tangible engineering skills. Students master measurement, fractions, geometry, and data analysis through hands-on building projects and design challenges. From calculating gear ratios to measuring structural dimensions, this course reveals mathematics as the essential language of engineering. Common Core Math aligned with portfolio documentation.

Challengers (6-8)   Ready for the Challenge

Middle schoolers tackle complex engineering problems with increased rigor and independence. Students write formal lab reports, apply physics and math to real systems, and build sophisticated projects like autonomous rovers and underwater ROVs—preparing them for high school science and competition robotics.

Astrophysics & Space Technology

Explore the physics of space through advanced engineering challenges. Students investigate orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, and satellite systems while designing CubeSat prototypes, programming autonomous rovers, and analyzing mission data. Mathematical applications include trajectory calculations, energy transfer, and data analysis. NGSS-aligned with formal lab reports.

Bioengineering & Robotics

Discover the intersection of biology and engineering. Students explore biomechanics, prosthetic design, and bio-inspired robotics while building sensor-integrated systems, analyzing human movement data, and designing assistive technologies. This course emphasizes the engineering design process with formal documentation and iterative testing. NGSS-aligned with formal lab reports.

Environmental Science & Data Systems

Tackle real-world environmental challenges through engineering solutions. Students build sensor networks, collect long-term environmental data, and analyze climate patterns while designing monitoring systems and sustainable technologies. Mathematical applications include statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling. NGSS-aligned with formal lab reports.

Marine Technology & Underwater Systems

Design and build underwater exploration systems from the ground up. Students construct a fully functional ROV, program autonomous navigation, and execute underwater missions. This intensive course covers hydrodynamics, electrical systems, and remote operation while preparing students for competitive robotics pathways. NGSS-aligned with formal lab reports.

Engineering Mathematics

Apply mathematical concepts to authentic engineering problems. Students master ratios, proportions, geometry, algebraic thinking, and statistical analysis through robotics and design challenges. From calculating gear ratios to analyzing experimental data, this course bridges classroom math to real-world engineering applications. Common Core Math aligned with formal documentation.

Pathfinders (9-12)   College and Career Ready

High schoolers earn transcript-ready credits through rigorous, year-long courses in physics, engineering, and robotics. Students master industry-standard tools, earn SMART micro-certifications from Carnegie Mellon, and build portfolios that demonstrate real competency to colleges and employers.

Physical Science & Electronics Engineering

Master science and electronics together—the foundation for all engineering. This integrated course pairs physical science concepts (atoms, energy, waves, magnetism) with hands-on electronics projects. Students build circuits, program Arduino microcontrollers, and design sensor systems while learning why components work at the atomic level. No prerequisites—this is the entry point to TRC's Pathfinder STEM track. 2.0 Credits (1.0 Science + 1.0 Engineering Elective).

Engineering Mathematics & Design

Master mathematics and engineering design together—the way real engineers work. This integrated course pairs rigorous math instruction (algebra, trigonometry, vectors, statistics) with hands-on engineering projects. Students learn CAD modeling, prototyping, and the full design process while applying mathematical concepts to calculate gear ratios, analyze structural forces, and optimize designs based on data. The result: strong mathematical foundations plus a portfolio of documented engineering work. 2.0 Credits (1.0 Math + 1.0 Engineering Elective). Prerequisite: Algebra 1.

Applied Physics & Robotics Engineering

Master physics and competitive robotics together—the way real engineers work. This integrated course pairs rigorous physics instruction (mechanics, energy, electricity, waves) with hands-on robot design for FIRST Tech Challenge. Students calculate motor torque for arm design, analyze forces for drivetrain optimization, and program autonomous routines using sensor feedback. Includes substantial lab component satisfying science lab credit requirements. The result: strong physics foundations plus competition-ready robotics skills. 2.0 Credits (1.0 Science/Physics + 1.0 Engineering Elective). Prerequisite: Algebra 1.