TRConstellation
Your Personal Engineering Education Roadmap
"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." ~Psalm 147:4
TRConstellation Course Catalog
Complete Course Descriptions | Tennessee Robotics Center
Discoverers Mission
Grades K-2 | Ages 5-7
Robotics Discovery
Students embark on their first robotics adventure using LEGO robots. Through play-based learning, young engineers discover how robots move, respond to commands, and solve simple challenges. This hands-on introduction builds foundational computational thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun, engaging environment.
Key Learning Areas:
- Robot navigation and movement
- Sequence and patterns
- Basic programming concepts
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Introduction to sensors
Engineering Discovery
Five pioneering engineering projects introduce students to the engineering design cycle. Young learners explore plant engineering, sound and music, structures, simple coding, and forensic science through fingerprint analysis. Each project builds understanding of how engineers ask questions, design solutions, and improve their creations.
Key Learning Areas:
- Engineering design process
- Plant science and biology
- Sound waves and music
- Structural engineering basics
- Scientific observation skills
Computer Science Discovery
Students discover the magic of coding through ScratchJr and block-based programming. This course introduces computational thinking concepts including sequencing, loops, and events through creative storytelling and interactive games. Young programmers learn that they can create their own digital worlds.
Key Learning Areas:
- Block-based coding fundamentals
- Sequencing and algorithms
- Creative digital storytelling
- Problem decomposition
- Interactive game design
Explorers Mission
Grades 3-5 | Ages 8-10
Robotics Exploration
Students build and program LEGO and VEX robots while mastering block-based programming. Through structured challenges, explorers learn about sensors, motors, gears, and decision-making in code. This course prepares students for more advanced robotics challenges and introduces competition concepts.
Key Learning Areas:
- LEGO/VEX robot construction
- Advanced block programming
- Sensor integration and use
- Mechanical advantage with gears
- Autonomous programming
Engineering Expeditions
Five comprehensive engineering projects guide students through complete design cycles. Explorers investigate optical engineering, marine engineering, bioengineering, environmental science, and amusement park engineering. Each expedition deepens understanding of the iterative design process and real-world engineering applications.
Key Learning Areas:
- Complete engineering design cycle
- Optics and light engineering
- Marine vessel design
- Biological systems
- Mechanical systems design
Computer Science Exploration
Students master Scratch programming while creating interactive games, animations, and stories. This course develops computational thinking through creative coding projects, teaching advanced concepts like variables, conditionals, and event-driven programming. Explorers learn to debug code and share their creations with others.
Key Learning Areas:
- Advanced Scratch programming
- Game design and development
- Variables and data
- Conditional logic
- Animation and storytelling
Engineering Design Process
Students learn systematic problem-solving using the complete engineering design cycle: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, and Improve. Through hands-on projects, they practice identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, testing, and iterating. This foundational course teaches the methodology used by professional engineers worldwide.
Key Learning Areas:
- 6-step design process mastery
- Problem identification and constraints
- Brainstorming and ideation
- Prototyping techniques
- Testing and iteration
3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing
Students enter the world of digital manufacturing, learning to design and create physical objects using 3D printing technology. From simple designs to functional prototypes, students master basic CAD software and understand how digital files become real objects. Projects emphasize creative problem-solving and practical design.
Key Learning Areas:
- 3D design software basics
- Additive manufacturing principles
- Design for manufacturing
- File preparation and slicing
- Functional prototype creation
Challengers Mission
Grades 6-8 | Ages 11-13
Robotics Challenge
Students prepare for robotics competitions through advanced building techniques and programming strategies. Using competition-grade robots, challengers learn complex mechanisms, sensor fusion, and autonomous programming. This intensive course develops the skills needed for FLL and prepares students for future FTC competition.
Key Learning Areas:
- Competition robot design
- Advanced mechanisms and linkages
- Multi-sensor programming
- Strategy development
- Team collaboration
Engineering Pathways
Four advanced innovation projects challenge students to apply engineering principles to real-world problems. Pathways include reverse engineering, hydraulic systems, sustainable energy solutions, and civil engineering structures. Each project requires research, planning, prototyping, and presentation of solutions.
Key Learning Areas:
- Reverse engineering analysis
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Renewable energy engineering
- Structural engineering
- Technical documentation
Computer Science Challenge
Students transition from visual programming to text-based coding with Python fundamentals. Through engaging projects and challenges, they learn variables, functions, loops, and data structures. This course builds the foundation for advanced programming and prepares students for high school computer science.
Key Learning Areas:
- Python syntax and structure
- Functions and parameters
- Lists and data structures
- File input/output
- Project-based problem solving
ASTRO: Robotics Basics
Students design, build, and program their own mobile robot from scratch. Using Arduino microcontrollers, motors, and sensors, challengers create a functional autonomous robot. This hands-on course teaches electronics integration, mechanical design, and embedded programming in a complete robotics system.
Key Learning Areas:
- Arduino programming
- Motor control and drivers
- Sensor integration
- Chassis design and assembly
- Autonomous navigation
ASTRO: Robotic Arms
Students build a 3D-printed robotic arm and program it to perform precise movements. Learning about inverse kinematics, servo control, and end effector design, students create a functional manipulator. This project bridges mechanical design, 3D printing, electronics, and programming.
Key Learning Areas:
- Robotic arm kinematics
- Servo motor control
- 3D printing and assembly
- End effector design
- Coordinate systems and movement
Electronics & Circuits
Students master electrical engineering fundamentals through hands-on circuit building. From basic circuits to complex systems with microcontrollers, students learn Ohm's Law, circuit design, component selection, and troubleshooting. Projects progress from simple LED circuits to programmable electronic systems.
Key Learning Areas:
- Circuit theory and Ohm's Law
- Series and parallel circuits
- Electronic components
- Breadboarding and soldering
- Microcontroller integration
Programming in Python
Students develop proficiency in Python, the world's most popular programming language. Through projects ranging from games to data analysis, students master object-oriented programming, file handling, and external libraries. This course prepares students for advanced computer science and real-world programming applications.
Key Learning Areas:
- Advanced Python syntax
- Object-oriented programming
- External libraries and modules
- Data structures and algorithms
- Real-world project development
Specialist Missions
Grades 8-12 | Ages 14-16
CAD Mastery: Fusion 360
Students master professional-grade CAD software used by engineers worldwide. From sketching and modeling to assemblies and simulations, students learn to design complex mechanical systems. Projects include creating parametric models, running stress simulations, and preparing designs for manufacturing.
Key Learning Areas:
- Parametric 3D modeling
- Assembly design and constraints
- Engineering drawings
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Design for manufacturing
Drones & UAVs
Students design, build, and program autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. Learning flight dynamics, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation, students create functional drones. The course covers aerodynamics, electronic speed controllers, flight controllers, and mission planning for real-world applications.
Key Learning Areas:
- Aerodynamics and flight principles
- Drone assembly and configuration
- Flight controller programming
- Autonomous waypoint navigation
- FPV systems and telemetry
Robotic Arms & Manufacturing
Students explore industrial automation through advanced robotic arm systems. Building on ASTRO Robotic Arms, this course introduces industrial robotics, including multi-axis control, teach pendants, and automated manufacturing processes. Students program arms for pick-and-place, assembly, and quality control tasks.
Key Learning Areas:
- Industrial robotics principles
- Multi-axis coordination
- Automation and manufacturing
- Vision systems integration
- Production optimization
Jet Engines & Propulsion
Students dive into aerospace propulsion, learning thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and jet engine operation. Building functional jet engines and propulsion systems, students explore the physics behind rocket and jet propulsion. Projects include testing thrust, efficiency, and performance optimization.
Key Learning Areas:
- Thermodynamics fundamentals
- Jet engine components and operation
- Propulsion system design
- Thrust measurement and analysis
- Performance optimization
Aerodynamics & Race Car Engineering
Students design, test, and race high-performance vehicles using F1-level engineering principles. Learning aerodynamics, suspension geometry, and vehicle dynamics, students optimize designs for speed and handling. Wind tunnel testing, data analysis, and iterative design prepare students for engineering competitions.
Key Learning Areas:
- Aerodynamic principles and drag
- Chassis and suspension design
- Wind tunnel testing
- Data acquisition and telemetry
- Performance optimization
Pathfinders Mission
Grades 9-12 | Ages 15-18
Robotics Engineering 1 & 2
Students join a competitive FTC robotics team, designing and building a complete competition robot. Over two semesters, teams master mechanical design, electronics integration, Java programming, and competition strategy. Students develop professional engineering notebooks, present to judges, and compete at the highest level. This comprehensive program prepares students for collegiate engineering and FRC.
Key Learning Areas:
- REV Robotics system mastery
- Java programming for FTC
- Competition strategy and game analysis
- Professional documentation
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Outreach and community engagement
Aerospace Engineering 1 & 2
Students design, build, and launch high-powered rockets, preparing for NASA Student Launch competition. This rigorous program covers rocket propulsion, stability analysis, recovery systems, and payload integration. Teams conduct research, perform simulations, fabricate components, and execute successful launches while maintaining detailed technical documentation.
Key Learning Areas:
- Rocket design and stability
- Propulsion systems and motors
- Recovery system engineering
- Payload design and integration
- Launch operations and safety
- Flight simulation and analysis
Aeronautical Engineering 1 & 2
Students design and build remote-controlled aircraft for SAE Aero Design competition. Teams apply aerodynamic theory, structural analysis, and flight testing to create high-performance aircraft. The year-long program includes design iterations, prototype testing, manufacturing, and competition preparation. Students gain real-world aerospace engineering experience.
Key Learning Areas:
- Aircraft design and aerodynamics
- Wing and airfoil design
- Structural analysis and materials
- Flight testing and data collection
- Manufacturing techniques
- Competition preparation
Computer Engineering 1 & 2
Students master the intersection of hardware and software through embedded systems development. Building IoT devices, robotics systems, and intelligent machines, students integrate sensors, actuators, and edge AI. Projects include designing custom PCBs, implementing real-time operating systems, and deploying machine learning models on embedded hardware.
Key Learning Areas:
- Embedded systems programming
- IoT architecture and protocols
- PCB design and fabrication
- Real-time operating systems
- Edge AI and machine learning
- System integration and testing
Mechatronics Engineering 1 & 2
Students integrate mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create intelligent automated systems. This comprehensive program combines robotics, control systems, sensors, actuators, and programming to design and build complex mechatronic devices. Projects include automated manufacturing cells, smart machines, and advanced robotic systems that respond intelligently to their environment.
Key Learning Areas:
- Multi-disciplinary system design
- Control systems and PID tuning
- Sensor fusion and data integration
- Actuator selection and control
- Computer vision and machine learning
- Automated manufacturing systems
- System modeling and simulation
- Professional documentation and presentation
