Tennessee state flag design inside a red gear. Three white stars on a blue circle.

TRConstellation

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." ~Psalm 147:4

building tomorrow's engineers, today


The TRC Engineering Education Program Starmap

TRConstellation is a complete engineering education curriculum starmap at the Tennessee Robotics Center. Like stars forming constellations in the sky, our 30 comprehensive courses  (including six full-year advanced programs: Robotics, Aerospace, Aeronautical, Computer, Mechatronics, and Product Engineering) connect to create a clear pathway from a student's first engineering experience in kindergarten through professional-level engineering skills and competition excellence.


Inspired by our 2030 vision "Dare to Explore" and fueled by our mission to "Dare Mighty Things" in Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science, TRConstellation empowers students of all ages to boldly explore different courses in Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science—culminating in the next generation of Pathfinders who will shape the future.


TRC Learning Promise

"Every mission builds a future engineer who dares mighty things."


Our learning promise anchors every TRConstellation experience—from a student's first LEGO build in Discoverers through their final capstone project in Pathfinders. It speaks to who we are, what we do, and who our students become.


Why This Promise Works

"Every mission" validates each individual class while pointing to the cumulative journey. Whether a student joins us for a single Saturday session or commits to the full K-12 pathway, the promise holds.

"builds" is active, tangible, engineering-coded language that signals real work happens here.

"a future engineer" speaks directly to career trajectory and long-term value. It's aspirational yet grounded—students are on the path, building that identity now.

"who dares mighty things" ties directly to our NASA-inspired brand DNA and the spirit of ambitious problem-solving and bold curiosity to explore and seek out new knowledge.


Three Stars represent

★ Real Tools, Real Skills

Students work with the same platforms used by competitive robotics teams and industry professionals—not toys disguised as learning. From LEGO SPIKE Prime to VEX IQ to REV Robotics, every tool has a purpose beyond our walls to teach real engineering skills.


★ Always on Mission

Every class is a mission with clear objectives. Every level unlocks new challenges. Setbacks are data, redesign is the process, and persistence is the skill that outlasts any single project.

The journey from Discoverer to Pathfinder is intentional, always earned, and never given.


★ Engineering Mindset

Students start seeing themselves as future engineers now—building that identity mission by mission, challenge by challenge. They don't wait for a diploma to own the mindset. We already see them as future engineers.


Mission Control: Where Should I Start?


Whether you're interested in robotics, aerospace, aviation, automotive, software, computer systems, or manufacturing engineering, TRConstellation provides a structured learning pathway that prepares students for advanced programs, FLL/FTC competitions, Aerospace and Rocketry competitions, college engineering degrees, and exciting careers in STEM.


Embark on your engineering journey at the appropriate mission level:


  • Ages 5-7 (K-2): Discovery missions in Robotics, Engineering, or Computer Science 
  • Ages 8-10 (3-5): Exploration missions + 3D Printing 
  • Ages 11-13 (6-8): Challenge missions + ASTRO programs + Core skills 
  • Ages 14-18 (8-12): Advanced specializations + Bridge programs
  • Ages 15-18 (9-12): Full-year programs 


Our mission advisors will assist you in mapping out your personalized learning path.

Learning Missions

Each course is a star in your constellation. Follow the connected path from discovery to professional excellence.

1

Discoverers Mission

Grades K-2 | Ages 5-7

First contact with STEM! Play-based exploration and discovery missions to ignite curiosity.

Robotics Discovery
Engineering Discovery
Computer Science Discovery
2

Explorers Mission

Grades 3-5 | Ages 8-10

Building foundation skills through hands-on exploration and systematic learning.

Robotics Exploration
Engineering Expeditions
Computer Science Exploration
Intro to 3D Printing
3

Challengers Mission

Grades 6-8 | Ages 11-13

Advanced challenges, competition preparation, and specialized skill development.

Robotics Challenge
Engineering Pathways
Computer Science Challenge
ASTRO Robotic Systems
3D Printing and Design
Electronics Adventure
4

Specialists Missions

Grades 8-12 | Ages 14-16

Specialized engineering applications and cutting-edge technology projects.

CAD: Fusion 360
Drones & UAVs
Robotic Arms
Jet Propulsion
Race Car Engineering
Python Programming
OnBot Java
Droid Engineering
5

Pathfinders Mission

Grades 9-12 | Ages 15-18

Professional-level engineering, competition teams, and career preparation.

Robotics Engineering 1 & 2
FULL YEAR
Aerospace Engineering 1 & 2
FULL YEAR
Aeronautical Engineering 1 & 2
FULL YEAR
Computer Engineering 1 & 2
FULL YEAR
Mechatronics Engineering 1 & 2
FULL YEAR
Product Engineering 1 & 2
FULL YEAR

Four Pathways to Engineering Excellence

ROBOTICS PATHWAY

Robots, Programming, Automation

K-2: Robotics Discovery
3-5: Robotics Exploration
6-8: Robotics Challenge
7-10: ASTRO Robotic Systems
9-12: Robotics Engineering 1 & 2 (Full Year FTC)

ENGINEERING PATHWAY

Structures, Mechanics, Design, Physics

K-2: Engineering Discovery
3-5: Engineering Expeditions
6-8: Engineering Pathways
8-12: CAD, Electronics, Python, Specialized Courses
9-12: Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Computer Engineering (Full Year)

COMPUTER SCIENCE PATHWAY

Programming, Algorithms, Software

K-2: Computer Science Discovery
3-5: Computer Science Exploration
6-8: Computer Science Challenge
8-12: Python Programming
9-12: Advanced Programming & Computer Engineering (Full Year)

TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY

Design, Manufacturing, Innovation

K-2: Engineering Discovery
3-5: 3D Printing & Design
6-8: Engineering Design Process
8-12: CAD: Fusion 360 + Electronics
9-12: Advanced Specialization (Drones, Arms, Propulsion, Racing)
Tennessee state flag design inside a red gear. Three white stars on a blue circle.

Ready to begin your TRC mission?

Join other like-minded students who have discovered their passion for engineering through TRConstellation.

Talk to a Mission Advisor Today!