TRClass
TRC Afterschool Class descriptions and registration details for Fall 2025.

LEarning labs
TRClasses are aligned to three primary learning domains: Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science. Additionally, most afterschool classes are available for four primary age groups and learning goals:
- K-2 (Discoverers)
- 3-5 (Explorers)
- 6-8 (Challengers)
- 9-12 (Pathfinders)
TRC has multiple learning labs for a variety of learning:
- Aerospace Technology lab
- LEGO Robotics lab
- Engineering Design and 3D Printing Lab
- Computer Technology and Cybersecurity lab
- Advanced Robotics/Mechatronics lab
- Digital Media Studio
- Team and Coach meeting space
- GearShop
- Parent waiting area
- Tool rooms and storage for student projects
Every year, I select a three-word vision statement for my program to ignite inspiration in my students. For 2025, our vision statement is "Dare to Explore," aimed at encouraging our students to courageously explore the exciting worlds of Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science together.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Dare Mighty Things!
​
Michael Puckett, Founder and Director
Tennessee Robotics Center | TRC Education
Technology
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.
Robotics
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.
Computer science
TRC Computer Science learning domain promotes computational thinking and basic programming by providing introductory coding courses in Blocks, Python and OnBot Java. An emphasis is placed on coding that students will use in programming FLL and FTC robots. We also teach coding using games such as Minecraft EDU and Codementum.
MOnday
3d printing and Design I:
Engineering Designs with tinkercad
GRADES 3-8 | MONDAY AFTERNOONS 4:30-5:30
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Explore the fundamentals of 3D printing and digital design through the lens of engineering problem-solving. This course introduces students to Tinkercad, an intuitive and powerful design platform, to create functional prototypes and innovative solutions. Through hands-on projects, students will learn to navigate the design process, refine concepts, and bring their ideas to life using 3D modeling and printing techniques. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your design skills, this course provides a strong foundation in digital fabrication and engineering principles.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply Engineering Design Principles – Utilize Tinkercad to create digital prototypes and refine designs based on real-world engineering constraints.
- Master 3D Modeling Techniques – Develop proficiency in manipulating shapes, scaling, and assembling components to construct functional 3D models.
- Understand 3D Printing Processes – Explore the fundamentals of additive manufacturing, including material selection and printer settings for optimal results.
- Solve Design Challenges – Implement problem-solving strategies to develop creative solutions for engineering tasks using digital design tools.
- Produce and Evaluate 3D Printed Models
– Successfully print 3D designs and assess the quality, feasibility, and functionality of the final product.
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.
Aerospace Design and Engineering:
Airplanes, Drones, and ROckets
GRADES 7-12 | MONDAY AFTERNOONS 5:00-6:00
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Dive into the exciting world of aerospace engineering through hands-on exploration of flight, aerodynamics, and propulsion. This course uses FT STEM and Estes rocket systems to engage students in the principles of aircraft, drone, and rocket design. Through engineering design challenges, students will gain a deeper understanding of aerospace technology while developing problem-solving and technical skills. Whether designing model airplanes, programming drones, or launching rockets, students will experience the thrill of flight while applying real-world STEM concepts.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply Principles of Aerodynamics – Explore how forces like lift, drag, thrust, and gravity impact the flight of airplanes, drones, and rockets.
- Design and Build Model Aircraft – Utilize FT STEM kits to construct and refine functional airplanes while learning about structural integrity and flight stability.
- Experiment with Drone Technology – Understand the fundamentals of drone flight, programming, and control systems through interactive projects.
- Construct and Launch Rockets – Use Estes rocket systems to design, assemble, and safely launch model rockets while studying propulsion and trajectory dynamics.
- Engage in Engineering Problem-Solving – Develop creative solutions for aerospace design challenges by applying STEM principles to real-world flight scenarios.
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.
Rocket Design and Engineering:
Launchpad Kinematics
GRADES 9-12 | MONDAY AFTERNOONS 5:30-6:30
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Prepare for liftoff in this dynamic, team-based course exploring the principles of rocket design and kinematics. Using the Estes rocket curriculum, students will dive into aerodynamics, propulsion, and motion analysis to develop and launch their own model rockets. Through hands-on engineering challenges, students will apply STEM concepts to optimize flight performance, analyze launch data, and collaborate on innovative rocket designs. Whether aspiring aerospace engineers or simply curious about rocketry, students will gain real-world experience in the science behind spaceflight.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand Rocket Kinematics – Apply physics concepts such as velocity, acceleration, and trajectory to rocket motion.
- Design and Build Model Rockets – Utilize Estes rocket kits to engineer safe and functional rocket prototypes.
- Analyze Aerodynamic Forces – Explore how thrust, drag, gravity, and lift impact rocket flight and stability.
- Experiment with Propulsion Systems – Investigate solid-fuel rocket engines and their effects on performance.
- Collect and Evaluate Launch Data – Use sensors and calculations to measure altitude, velocity, and flight dynamics.
- Optimize Rocket Performance – Apply engineering principles to refine designs and improve launch success rates.
- Collaborate in a Rocket Team Environment – Work in groups to develop mission goals, troubleshoot designs, and execute rocket launches.
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.
CREATOR
TRCreator Lab Pass: Discoverers
GRADES K-2 | Monday AFTERNOONs 4:00-5:00
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
TRCreator is a weekly lab pass program for students to immerse themselves in educational subjects through interactive labs.
TRCreator lab passes offer supervised access to our technology, robotics, and computer learning labs for up to one hour per pass.
TRCreator empowers self-motivated learners to explore STEAM topics and take control of their educational journey.
Students can work at their own pace and choose their preferred learning topics with assistance from TRC mentors.
CREATOR
TRCreator Lab Pass: explorers
GRADES 3-5 | Monday AFTERNOONs 4:00-5:00
Grade as of 2025-2026 school year
TRCreator is a weekly lab pass program for students to immerse themselves in educational subjects through interactive labs. TRCreator lab passes offer supervised access to our technology, robotics, and computer learning labs for up to one hour per pass.
TRCreator empowers self-motivated learners to explore STEAM topics and take control of their educational journey. Students can work at their own pace and choose their preferred learning topics with assistance from TRC mentors.
CREATOR
TRCreator Lab Pass: Challengers
GRADES 6-8 | Monday AFTERNOONs 4:00-5:00
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
TRCreator is a weekly lab pass program for students to immerse themselves in educational subjects through interactive labs. TRCreator lab passes offer supervised access to our technology, robotics, and computer learning labs for up to one hour per pass.
TRCreator empowers self-motivated learners to explore STEAM topics and take control of their educational journey. Students can work at their own pace and choose their preferred learning topics with assistance from TRC mentors.
wednesday
COding Lab with Codementum
GRADES 3-8 | Wednesday AFTERNOONS 3:30-4:00
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
TRCreator Lab: Mastering Coding Through Adventure Based Learning Discover the joy of coding through an engaging and immersive lab experience! This innovative educational platform, crafted with gamification principles, enables learners to grasp coding concepts with ease while embarking on thrilling adventures. Each game is filled with diverse learning quests, ensuring there’s always something fresh and exciting to uncover. The well-rounded curriculum caters to various age groups, allowing learners to begin at their own proficiency level and select from a wide array of challenges, ranging from simple to advanced coding tasks.

Additionally, the integrated text-based and block-based coding system is a remarkable feature, granting students the flexibility to effortlessly switch between writing traditional text code and manipulating code blocks at their convenience. This distinctive method not only strengthens their comprehension but also elevates their coding abilities. By transforming text-based codes into blocks, students can visualize their coding efforts, enabling them to construct algorithms in a more intuitive and effective manner, making the learning journey both enjoyable and impactful.
Learning Objectives
Through these lab sessions, students will be able to:
- Understand and apply fundamental coding concepts – Grasp essential programming principles such as loops, conditionals, variables, and functions within interactive learning environments.
- Develop problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills – Strengthen computational reasoning by creating and debugging code through immersive coding challenges.
- Utilize both text-based and block-based coding methods – Seamlessly switch between coding styles to deepen their understanding of syntax, logic, and structure.
- Create interactive projects and games – Apply coding knowledge to design and develop engaging projects that showcase their programming skills.
- Enhance creativity and innovation through coding – Explore creative problem-solving by developing unique solutions in an engaging and gamified learning ecosystem.
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.
tHURSDAY
LEGO Robotics Exploration:
Mission ready
GRADES 2-4 THURSDAY AFTERNOONS 4:00-5:00
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
LEGO Robotics Exploration: Uncover the Future
The LEGO Robotics Exploration is an exciting, hands-on program designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of robotics, engineering, and coding. Using the LEGO Education curriculum, participants will explore STEM concepts through interactive and age-appropriate activities that spark creativity and innovation.
Powered by LEGO® Education Spike Essential, students will build and program robots to solve real-world challenges while developing problem-solving, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills. This course also serves as a foundational experience for students interested in joining next year's competitive robotics team.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand foundational robotics and engineering principles – Explore the core mechanics behind robotics, learning how movement, sensors, and automation interact.
- Develop coding proficiency using LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential – Gain hands-on experience in block-based coding to program robotic creations effectively.
- Apply problem-solving skills to real-world challenges – Design and implement innovative solutions by building and programming robotic models.
- Enhance collaboration and teamwork through STEM projects – Work alongside peers to brainstorm, construct, and refine interactive robotic designs.
- Cultivate creativity and logical thinking through experimentation – Strengthen cognitive skills by iterating and improving robotic builds with coding and engineering concepts.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of four students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
Robotics engineering I:
Intro to REV Robotics
GRADES 7-12 | thursday AFTERNOONS 4:30-5:30
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Dive into the exciting world of robotics with the REV DUO Intro to Robotics Course, where students explore the fundamentals of robotic design, programming, and problem-solving. This hands-on course introduces learners to the REV DUO system, helping them build, code, and optimize their own robotic creations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Robotic Design & Engineering – Understand mechanical systems and structural integrity.
- Programming & Automation – Learn coding basics and automation using REV DUO hardware.
- Sensor Integration – Experiment with sensors to improve robotic performance and functionality.
- Troubleshooting & Optimization – Analyze and refine robotic designs for efficiency.
- Competitive Robotics – Explore strategies for robotics challenges and competitions.
Through guided lessons and interactive projects, students will design, program, and test their robots—gaining hands-on experience in STEM fields like engineering and computer science.
This course is perfect for beginners eager to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills in robotics while preparing for future innovations and competitions. Let’s build something amazing!
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of four students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
LEGO Robotics Challenge:
competition Ready
GRADES 4-7 | THURSDAY AFTERNOONS 5:00-6:00
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
LEGO Robotics Challenge: Uncover the Future
The LEGO Robotics Challenge is an exciting, hands-on program designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of robotics, engineering, and coding. Using the LEGO Education curriculum, participants will explore STEM concepts through interactive and age-appropriate activities that spark creativity and innovation.
Powered by LEGO® Education Spike Prime, students will build and program robots to solve real-world challenges while developing problem-solving, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills. This course also serves as a foundational experience for students interested in joining next year's competitive robotics team.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand Core Robotics Systems and Coding Concepts – Learn the basics of programming and robotic systems using LEGO Spike Prime.
- Apply Engineering Design Principles – Build and refine robotic models to solve structured and open-ended challenges.
- Develop Problem-Solving Skills – Use logic and creativity to troubleshoot and optimize robotic functions.
- Collaborate in Team-Based Projects – Work effectively with peers to complete design challenges and achieve shared goals.
- Prepare for Competitive Robotics – Gain foundational skills to participate in advanced robotics competitions in the following year.
Please note that all classes offered by Tennessee Robotics Center (TRC) require a minimum of four students to proceed. This policy ensures a conducive learning environment for all participants.
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD) AND ENGINEERING:
FUSION FUNDAMENTALS
GRADES 9-12 | MONDAY AFTERNOONS 5:00-6:00
GRADE AS OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Unlock the power of digital design with this beginner-to-intermediate course on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using Autodesk Fusion. Students will develop foundational skills in 3D modeling, engineering design, and product visualization while exploring industry applications in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. Through hands-on projects, students will gain confidence in creating detailed models, refining designs, and preparing them for prototyping or 3D printing. This course provides the perfect balance of technical knowledge and creative exploration for aspiring engineers and designers. This class also benefits our FTC team members with design.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Navigate the Fusion 360 Interface – Understand essential tools, commands, and workflows to efficiently create and modify 3D models.
- Apply Engineering Design Principles – Utilize CAD software to conceptualize and refine digital prototypes for real-world applications.
- Develop 3D Modeling Skills – Create parametric and freeform models using Fusion 360’s robust design tools.
- Understand Assembly and Constraints – Learn how to combine components into assemblies while applying constraints and motion studies.
- Generate Technical Drawings – Produce professional-grade engineering drawings and schematics for documentation and manufacturing.
- Explore Simulation and Analysis – Experiment with Fusion 360’s simulation tools to assess structural integrity and material performance.
- Prepare Models for 3D Printing – Optimize designs for fabrication by ensuring accuracy, scale, and printability in additive manufacturing.
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.

to inspire tHE NEXT GENERATION to dare mighty things
TRC Vectors is our new podcast launching in the fall of 2025 to inspire students in their pursuit of God's extraordinary calling. We aim to equip students with tools, conversations and inspiration to embark on a path of remarkable achievements, as they delve into the realms of Technology, Robotics and Computer Science. We envision these students as the Pathfinders who will shape the future of technology in the 21st century.
