Introduction to Circuits, Engineering, and Robotics

An electrifying, hands-on journey into circuitry, engineering, and robotics for 1st through 6th graders. $300

SparkGrounds Tampa Bay
7777 131st Street, Units 12 & 13, Seminole, FL 33776

Three Options Available: Tuesdays · 1-2 PM, Tuesdays · 4-5 PM, Saturdays · 9-10AM
Classes Begin the Week of January 20!

Ignite your child's passion for STEM with our action-packed 15-class series tailored for 1st through 6th graders. This is more than just a course—it's an electrifying journey into circuitry, engineering, and robotics. Your child will dive into hands-on projects, from crafting intricate circuits and designing bridges and roller coasters to building robots and electronic components.

Our program goes beyond the basics, empowering students with essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving through engaging individual and group projects. Each project includes an educational component, unraveling the secrets behind how and why their creations come to life. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to spark your child's passion for STEM while they have a blast building and learning!

This is an introductory course and no previous experience is needed. Additionally, all materials are provided, and students will be able to bring home many of their projects—allowing for additional experimentation at home.

After enrolling, parents or guardians will be sent a liability release that includes expectations and rules. That document must be returned before the first class meeting. Partial, pro-rated refunds are always provided should a child unenroll before the end of the class.

This class is approved for the PEP and FES scholarships and can be purchased here or directly on the Step Up website.

WEEK #1: COPPER CIRCUITS: Use copper tape to build a working electrical circuit that illuminates a picture, while learning about types of switches and circuits.

WEEK #2: BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION: Build several types of bridges while learning about how bridges work.

WEEK #3: BRISTLEBOT: Learn beginning circuitry while building a bot that moves.

WEEK #4: BRIDGES: COMPETITION: Work in groups to construct the strongest bridge possible.

WEEK #5: CATAPULTS: Design, construct, and test a powered catapult while learning about energy.

WEEK #6: PARALLEL CIRCUIT PIN: Make a wearable circuit that changes color while better understanding circuitry.

WEEK #7: TOOTHPICK BUILDING CHALLENGE: Work in groups to figure out what three-dimensional shapes are the strongest before building the tallest building possible.

WEEK #8: MY ROBOTIC FRIENDS: Learn the basics of programming a robot through a fun, interactive game.

WEEK #9: BREADBOARD: INTRODUCTION: Learn how a project board or breadboard works before using it to make several types of circuits.

WEEK #10: RUBBER BAND RACER: Work in groups to follow a schematic (without explicit instructor instruction) to build a powered vehicle.

WEEK #11: BINARY CODE: Learn more about programming--and how NASA programs many of their devices--by building binary code necklaces.

WEEK #12: PAPER ROLLER COASTERS: Learn more about kinetic and potential energy by building working paper roller coasters.

WEEK #13: ROBOTIC HAND: Learn how robotic hands work by building a model of one.

WEEK #14: EGG-DROP CHALLENGE: CONSTRUCTION: Use knowledge gained in the class to build a device that can protect a raw egg from a drop.

WEEK #15: EGG-DROP CHALLENGE: PRESENTATION: Present and test the devices in front of parents and guardians before having an end-of-the-class party!

Note that the schedule (and especially what is done on each day) is subject to change based on the realities of each individual class.