Welcome
TRConstellation is Tennessee Robotics Center's structured pathway that guides students from kindergarten through 12th grade in engineering, robotics, computer science, and technology. Like stars in a constellation, each course connects to form a complete picture—giving your child a clear roadmap from discovery to professional-level engineering excellence.
Why Choose TRConstellation?
Clear Pathways
Your child always knows what comes next—no guessing about course progression
Portfolio Building
Every project creates tangible evidence for college applications and competitions
Gamified Learning
Mission badges, course stickers, and recognition keep students motivated
Small Classes
6-10 students per course ensures personalized attention and mentorship
Competition Ready
Structured preparation for FTC, ARC, RDL, NASA, and other competitions
College Preparation
High school programs include portfolio projects and recommendation letters
Five Mission Levels
Students progress through five distinct missions, each building on the previous level's skills and knowledge.
Discoverers
Grades K-2 | Ages 5-7
First introduction to engineering through play-based learning. Young engineers explore robotics, design, and basic coding in a fun, hands-on environment.
3 Courses Available:
- Robotics Discovery
- Engineering Discovery
- Computer Science Discovery
Explorers
Grades 3-5 | Ages 8-10
Building foundational skills in engineering design, robotics programming, and creative problem-solving. Students complete structured projects and learn the engineering design process.
5 Courses Available:
- Robotics Exploration
- Engineering Expeditions
- Computer Science Exploration
- Engineering Design Process
- 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing
Challengers
Grades 6-8 | Ages 11-13
Advanced challenges and competition preparation. Students tackle complex builds, learn text-based programming, and develop technical skills for serious engineering work.
7 Courses Available:
- Robotics Challenge
- Engineering Pathways
- Computer Science Challenge
- ASTRO: Robotics Basics
- ASTRO: Robotic Arms
- Electronics & Circuits
- Programming in Python
Specialists
Grades 8-12 | Ages 14-18
Specialized engineering applications with professional-grade tools and technologies. Students master advanced topics in preparation for full-year programs and engineering careers.
5 Specialized Courses:
- CAD Mastery: Fusion 360
- Drones & UAVs
- Robotic Arms & Manufacturing
- Jet Engines & Propulsion
- Aerodynamics & Race Car Engineering
Pathfinders
Grades 9-12 | Ages 15-18
Full-year competition programs for advanced high school students. Intensive engineering education preparing students for national competitions, top engineering schools, and professional careers.
6 Full-Year Programs:
- Robotics Engineering 1 & 2 (FTC)
- Aerospace Engineering 1 & 2 (NASA)
- Aeronautical Engineering 1 & 2 (SAE)
- Computer Engineering 1 & 2
- Mechatronics Engineering 1 & 2
- Product Design Engineering 1 & 2
Pathfinder Full-Year Programs
Competition-Level Engineering (Grades 9-12)
For advanced high school students ready to commit to a full year of intensive engineering education. These programs prepare students for national competitions and top engineering schools.
- Robotics Engineering 1 & 2: FTC competition team with Java programming and advanced mechanical design
- Aerospace Engineering 1 & 2: American Rocketry Challenge program with high-powered rocketry
- Aeronautical Engineering 1 & 2: Robots and Drone League competition
- Computer Engineering 1 & 2: IoT, embedded systems, PCB design, and edge AI
- Mechatronics Engineering 1 & 2: Integration of mechanical, electrical, and software systems
- Product Design Engineering 1 & 2: Complete product development lifecycle with portfolio capstone
Mission Badges & Progress Tracking
Every student receives a mission badge for their level featuring the iconic three-star TRC constellation. As they complete courses, they earn stickers to place on their badge—creating a visual record of their journey through TRConstellation.
Mission Badge
Unique badge for each level with orbital rings and planet silhouettes
Course Stickers
Earn a sticker for each completed course to add to your badge
Certificates
Professional completion certificates for every course finished
Star Blazer Exceptional Student Recognition Program
Honoring Our Highest Achieving Students
StarBlazer is TRC's most prestigious honor, awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional achievement, leadership, innovation, and dedication. Students can progress through three levels:
Blue StarBlazer
First recognition for excellence
White StarBlazer
2 consecutive semesters of excellence
Red StarBlazer
4 consecutive semesters - highest honor
Selection Criteria:
- Academic excellence in engineering concepts
- Leadership and mentorship of peers
- Innovation and creative problem-solving
- Dedication and perseverance through challenges
- Community contribution and outreach
- Growth mindset and continuous improvement
Star Blazers receive special recognition, course discounts, mentorship opportunities, competition team priority, and college recommendation letters. Star Blazers also receive discounts in our GearShop.
Program Pricing
8-Week Course Pricing
Available Discounts
- Multi-Course Discount: 5% off 2 courses, 10% off 3+ courses
- Sibling Discount: 10% off 2nd child, 15% off 3rd+ child
- Early Bird: Register early and save $25
- Pay-in-Full: 5% discount on full-year programs
- Star Blazer Benefit: StarBlazers receive special discounts in our GearShop recognizing their hard work.
What's Included in Every Course
Quality Instruction
Professional educators and mentors
All Materials
Tools, components, and supplies included
State-of-the-Art Labs
6 specialized engineering labs
Parent Updates
Regular progress photos and communications
Completion Certificate
Completion certificate for portfolio
Family Showcase
End-of-session capstone presentation
How TRConstellation Works
8-Week Session Structure
TRConstellation runs four 8-week sessions throughout the year. Students can join at any session and progress through their pathway at their own pace. There is one week break in between each session and other holidays as scheduled.
- Session 1: August - October (Fall)
- Session 2: October - December (Fall)
- Session 3: January - March (Spring)
- Session 4: March - May (Spring)
Convenient Class Schedule Options
Courses typically meet once per week for 1.0 hours. (For both Homeschool Community and Afterschool students):
- Mondays: 11:30-12:30pm, 12:30-1:30pm, 1:30-2:30, 4:30-5:30pm, 5:30-6:30pm
- Tuesdays: Private lessons
- Thursdays: 11:30-12:30pm, 12:30-1:30pm, 1:30-2:30, 4:30-5:30pm, 5:30-6:30pm
- Saturdays: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm (TRCreator Labs)
Pathway Planning
At Week 5 of every course, we meet with families to discuss your child's progress and recommend the best next course based on their interests and strengths. Every student knows their next step before finishing their current course.
Ready to Begin Your Child's Engineering Journey?
TRConstellation provides a clear path from kindergarten curiosity to professional-level engineering excellence. Every course builds skills, creates portfolio projects, and prepares your child for competitions and college success.
"Dare Mighty Things"
