TRCommunity
Homeschool Community Class descriptions and registration details for Fall 2025

connecting with our Homeschool community
The Tennessee Robotics Center is excited about partnering with our local homeschool community to offer robotics, engineering, and computer science classes for our homeschool families and students. TRC classes are the perfect supplement to an at-home education, providing hands-on STEM and Technology learning and an opportunity to make new friends and connect with other homeschool families.
Classes are offered in a variety of subjects with a robotics and engineering design focus available for students in elementary, middle, and high school. New this year will be our K-2 Engineering class for younger students. TRC provides homeschoolers a great learning opportunity for the whole family!
TRCommunity homeschool classes meet on Mondays and Thursdays.
Each year, I choose a three-word vision statement for my program to inspire my students. This year's vision statement is Dare to Explore. Every artifact we uncover tells a tale. Each tool, each innovation, and every piece of art links us to the individuals and ideas that preceded us. Through the synergy of STEM skills and collaboration, we can now delve deeper into discoveries than ever before.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Let's Dare to Explore!
​
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 used in programming FLL and FTC robots. We also teach coding using games such as Minecraft EDU and Codementum.
monday
Engineering Discovery
Grades K-2 monday 11:00-11:45
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Engineering shapes the world around us! From towering bridges to bustling cities, groundbreaking medicines to futuristic vehicles—engineers are the visionaries who bring ideas to life. In this engaging, hands-on course, young learners will explore the wonders of engineering through exciting discoveries and interactive projects.
Through five hands-on lab projects, students will think, create, and explore:
- Pioneering Plants – Grow, observe, and express creativity through plant-inspired art.
- Pioneering Music – Investigate sound, vibrations, and perform musical experiments!
- Pioneering Structures – Observe and classify different buildings and designs.
- Pioneering Coding – Learn the basics of programming by role-playing as a robot.
- Pioneering Fingerprints – Uncover unique patterns and turn them into art and storytelling.
This course sparks curiosity and builds foundational STEM skills, inspiring young minds to see the world like engineers—full of possibilities and innovation!
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.
Engineering Exploration
Grades 3-5 MOnday 12:00-1:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Engineering fuels the world’s most incredible innovations—from soaring skyscrapers to life-saving technologies, autonomous vehicles to electrifying cities. In this dynamic and immersive course, students will step into the exciting world of engineering, learning about the pivotal discoveries that have shaped modern society and the scientific principles behind them.
Through five interactive lab projects, students will experiment, create, and problem-solve:
- Exploring Mazes – Design 2-D mazes, then challenge yourself with a 3-D maze tied to creative storytelling.
- Exploring Bird Feeders – Observe birds in the local environment and construct a specialized feeder.
- Exploring Musical Instruments – Learn how sound waves work and build homemade instruments.
- Exploring Parachutes – Test designs and create parachutes with different materials.
- Exploring Structures Testing – Analyze how shapes influence structural strength, then build and test your own tower.
This course empowers students to think like engineers—analyzing, designing, and innovating as they explore the limitless possibilities of STEM. Let the adventure begin!
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 ExplorE (2-4)
FIRST Class Pack
Grades 2-4 THursday 12:00-1:00
Course description
Build a strong foundation for computational thinking and engineering skill development with in-classroom and structured curriculum that connects students to the world through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
FIRST®â€¯LEGO® League Explore Class Pack guide students through 12 sessions designed to introduce the fundamentals of engineering through real-world problem solving. Using LEGO® bricks and powered by the LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential, students will learn to design, code, and create unique solutions. Followed by 3 weeks to solve the competition and present an innovation capstone project.
In the UNEARTHED™ challenge, to be released August 5, 2025, FIRST LEGO League teams will uncover the past to discover the future.
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 Science (CS) Fundamentals
Grades 3-5 Wednesday 12:00-1:00
Course description
Students will explore how to create engaging, interactive projects that enhance their understanding of online safety. The course opens with an introduction to the Sprite Lab programming tool. In these foundational lessons, they will dive into more advanced coding concepts.
Students will discover the basics such as nested loops, functions, and conditionals. By the conclusion of the course, they will integrate these concepts to tackle challenging puzzles. Finally, the course culminates in an open-ended project where students can develop their own game or digital artwork.
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.
Drone/ UAS Design and Engineering
Grades 3-8 monday 2:30-3:30
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Design. Build. Fly. Learn.
With the Drone Maker Kit, students gain an opportunity to design, build, and fly their very own drones! This customizable kit empowers students to navigate the engineering design process, refining their own unique drone creations. The included engineer-focused curriculum guides students through hands-on activities to design and test their drones, accommodate payloads, and develop and execute a delivery system—each activity linking back to pertinent career connections.
Students will engineer and evaluate various drone system configurations to assess how well each solution meets the criteria of a given problem. Students will be learning about and applying knowledge for aviation science and technology careers. Upon completion of the program students attain a TRUST recreational UAS pilot certification.

This class provides an unparalleled level of engagement while imparting the fundamentals of aerospace engineering through the excitement of drone flight.
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.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Engineering Expeditions
Grades 6-8 monday 1:00-2:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Engineering is the backbone of innovation—powering cities, advancing medicine, and revolutionizing transportation. In this engaging, hands-on course, students will explore engineering’s past, present, and future, discovering the science and creativity behind groundbreaking technologies.
Students will examine key engineering concepts, including:
- Catapults
- Mechanics
- Strength analysis
- Engineering Design Cycle
- Friction
Through five interactive lab projects, students will design, test, and refine their creations:
- Creating Catapults – Build and test catapults for accuracy, then design a game around them.
- Creating Rolling Vehicles – Experiment with paper racers and enhance their speed with balloon propulsion.
- Creating Truss Bridges – Construct, extend, and test the weight-bearing capacity of truss bridges.
- Creating Inventions – Apply the engineering design process to build a simple elevator and tractor pull, then develop an original invention.
- Creating Friction Climbers – Explore how friction works by engineering a climbing mechanism that defies gravity.
This course equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they embark on an exciting journey through the world of engineering—ready to innovate and create the future!
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.
Drone/ UAS Design and Engineering
Grades 3-8 monday 2:30-3:30
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Design. Build. Fly. Learn.
With the Drone Maker Kit, students gain an opportunity to design, build, and fly their very own drones! This customizable kit empowers students to navigate the engineering design process, refining their own unique drone creations. The included engineer-focused curriculum guides students through hands-on activities to design and test their drones, accommodate payloads, and develop and execute a delivery system—each activity linking back to pertinent career connections.
Students will engineer and evaluate various drone system configurations to assess how well each solution meets the criteria of a given problem. Students will be learning about and applying knowledge for aviation science and technology careers. Upon completion of the program students attain a TRUST recreational UAS pilot certification.

This class provides an unparalleled level of engagement while imparting the fundamentals of aerospace engineering through the excitement of drone flight.
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 Challenge (4-7)
FIRST CLASS Pack
Grades 4-7 Thursday 1:00-2:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Innovate, Create, and Share
This class will immerse students in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering curriculum that will engage them in a range of rigorous and relevant learning experiences. Students will develop an innovative solution to a real-world problem, and design, build, and code a LEGO®â€¯robot to solve themed challenge missions.
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Class Pack guides students through 12 sessions as they explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and robotics and develop an innovative solution to a real-world problem pertaining to the season theme. Followed by 3 weeks to solve the competition and present an innovation capstone project.
In the UNEARTHED™ challenge, to be released August 5, 2025, FIRST LEGO League teams and classes will uncover the past to discover the future.
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 SCIENCE (CS) discoveries
Grades 6-8 Wednesday 1:00-2:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.
Focus on Design with Purpose is a collection of Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) course units that empowers students to think about the needs of users while designing websites and apps for devices. Students create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun.
Students will focus on computer science topics such as:
- Problem Solving and Computing
- Web Development
- The Design Process
- Creating Apps with Devices
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 1
Grades 7-12 thursday 1:30-2:30
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.
Students will develop key robotics skills, including:
- 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.
HIGH SCHOOL
Engineering pathways
Grades 9-12 monday 1:30-2:30
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Engineering is at the heart of progress—driving technological advancements, shaping infrastructure, and solving the world’s most complex challenges. In this course, students will explore foundational engineering principles, historical breakthroughs, and the ways engineers continue to innovate in the modern era.
Students will examine key engineering concepts, including:
- Catapults
- Flight dynamics
- Solar powered vehicles
- Engineering Design Cycle
- Mechanical advantage
Four hands-on projects
- Innovating Catapults: Build and test a simple catapult, and then create your own!
- Innovating Kites: Learn about, experiment with, and build your own kites.
- Innovating Solar Cars: Build and test a solar vehicle, gather data, and then create the fastest vehicle possible.
- Innovating Trebuchets: Build, test, and improve a trebuchet.
This course challenges students to apply problem-solving, creativity, and engineering methodologies to real-world applications—preparing them for future careers in STEM and beyond. Let’s engineer the future!
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 1
Grades 7-12 thursday 1:30-2:30
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.
Students will develop key robotics skills, including:
- 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.
Drone/ UAS REMote Pilot Certification
Grades 9-12 monday 2:00-3:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Unlock the skies and become a certified drone pilot with the FAA Part 107 Drone Certification Course! This comprehensive training program prepares students to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 exam—an essential step for anyone looking to fly drones for commercial purposes.
Through engaging lessons and practical applications, students will master key concepts such as:
- FAA Regulations & Compliance – Understand airspace rules, pilot responsibilities, and legal requirements for drone operations.
- Airspace & Flight Restrictions – Learn how to interpret airspace classifications, maps, and restrictions.
- Weather & Aerodynamics – Explore how environmental factors affect drone performance and safety.
- Drone Operations & Flight Safety – Develop risk management strategies, emergency procedures, and best practices for safe flight.
- Remote Pilot Certification Process – Get familiar with the testing process, required paperwork, and post-certification steps.
The course includes hands-on practice, real-world case studies, and expert guidance to ensure students gain the confidence and technical knowledge necessary for responsible drone operation.
Whether you're pursuing a career in aerial photography, videography, surveying, or inspections, this certification is your gateway to professional drone piloting.
Please note: This is a two semester course, fall and spring
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 Science Principles
Grades 9-12 Wednesday 2:00-3:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course on AI and Machine Learning, students learn about the basics of machine learning and use a tool called AI Lab to create machine learning models that can be used in App Lab. The unit starts with an overview of machine learning and how computers can use patterns in data to make decisions and predictions.
Then, students learn how to use AI Lab to train models from tabular data while exploring issues of bias. Lessons follow a repeating "unplugged - AI Lab - App Lab" pattern so students are continually exposed to the concepts and tools of machine learning. The chapter culminates in a project where students select from a set of real-world datasets to train a machine learning model and create an app.
Students will focus on AI and machine learning topics:
- Create a machine learning model in AI Lab to solve a problem
- Use App Lab to create an app that uses their model
- Understand how machine learning models make decisions from data
- How machine learning find patterns in data to make decisions
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.
Creator Labs
CREATOR
TRCreator Lab Pass: Discoverers
GRADES K-2 | THURSDAY mornings 11:00-12:00
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 | THURSDAY morningS 11:00-12:00
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 | THURSDAY mornings 11:00-12:00
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.

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.
