STEM Program for Ages 12-13

Advanced Engineering & Technology

Teens working on advanced projects

This cohort explores more advanced technical topics including embedded systems, beginner robotics, environmental sensors, and data literacy. Emphasis is on building confidence in independent creation and teamwork.

Monthly Curriculum

October

  1. Summary: Design thinking and project planning.
  2. Kit: SparkFun Inventor’s Kit v4.1
  3. Meeting Focus: What makes a project successful?
  4. Take-Home Work: Plan and begin a self-guided Arduino project.

November

  1. Summary: IoT and wireless sensors.
  2. Kit: Arduino Nano 33 IoT Kit
  3. Meeting Focus: Connect a sensor to Wi-Fi. Send simple data.
  4. Take-Home Work: Log air temperature at home and visualize it.

December

  1. Summary: 3D printing and CAD.
  2. Kit: Doodle3D or access to Tinkercad + STL print credit
  3. Meeting Focus: CAD basics. How 3D printers work.
  4. Take-Home Work: Model and print a tool or object.

January

  1. Summary: Robotics and servo control.
  2. Kit: Yahboom Smart Robot Car Kit for Arduino
  3. Meeting Focus: How motors and sensors integrate.
  4. Take-Home Work: Complete line-following or obstacle-avoidance code.

February

  1. Summary: Environmental sensing.
  2. Kit: Grove Beginner Kit for Arduino
  3. Meeting Focus: Read sensors. Track values.
  4. Take-Home Work: Build a room environment monitor.

March

  1. Summary: Creative projects with Python.
  2. Kit: Raspberry Pi Pico + sensors
  3. Meeting Focus: Code in MicroPython. Blink, loop, and log.
  4. Take-Home Work: Build a reaction timer or mood light.

April

  1. Summary: Applied data and dashboards.
  2. Kit: Adafruit IoT Kit or Node-RED starter setup
  3. Meeting Focus: Send sensor data to a dashboard.
  4. Take-Home Work: Create your own IoT visualization.

May

  1. Summary: Capstone planning and build time.
  2. Kit: Use spare parts, sensors, or build custom.
  3. Meeting Focus: Group coaching, project guidance.
  4. Take-Home Work: Work on your capstone project.

June

  1. Summary: Final showcase.
  2. Kit: None – build with leftover parts or display boards.
  3. Meeting Focus: Present, celebrate, reflect.
  4. Take-Home Work: Submit a final journal and project report
Month Focus Kit Take-Home Work
October Build Pi, intro block coding Piper Computer Kit V4/td> Finish kit, explore built-in projects
November Transition to Python basics Piper (cont’d) Write 2–3 Python scripts on Pi
December Intro to Arduino/C++; wiring demo Inventr.io Uno Starter Build 3 projects: LED, button, servo
January Manual coding demo; robotics intro Sphero RVR+ Create autonomous drive path
February Color sensor/AI demo Sphero + AI Add-on Program object detection routine
March Smart sensors, cloud basics Elecfreaks IoT Kit Build temperature logger/display
April Prototype multi-sensor system Hardware Remix Kit Design & prototype personal project
May Debug prep; presentation tips Final Build Kit Finalize project & record demo
June Innovation expo; peer review Showcase Event Present to audience and gather feedback

What's Included

  • 9 advanced project kits with all necessary components
  • Monthly in-person guidance sessions with expert instructors
  • Access to 3D printers and other advanced equipment
  • Student portfolio development and resume building
  • Showcase event in June to present projects to the community
  • All materials included - no additional purchases needed
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