Tech Tinkerers Curriculum
An advanced, hands-on learning program where students design and build intelligent physical systems, blending electronics, coding, and real AI tools through robotics, sensors, and embedded intelligence.
Learning Outcomes
- Connect sensors and actuators to microcontrollers for responsive systems
- Train and embed AI models into physical devices for gesture, voice, or image control
- Use AI to plan, document, and test real-world prototypes
- Design human-centred systems with accessibility and fairness in mind
- Prototype, troubleshoot, and iterate like an engineer
- Build and present AI-powered devices that solve everyday problems
Our AI Approach
Beyond embedded models, learners apply Everyday AI Skills to plan, document, and test hardware projects. We prioritise human‑supervised operation, privacy‑preserving (often on‑device) inference, energy‑aware design, and safety checklists. AI supports the engineering process while students own the decisions and safeguards.
Learning Journey
Foundation Building
Master core concepts, basic logic, and fundamental programming principles
Skill Development
Apply knowledge to complex projects, explore AI concepts, and build interactive systems
Advanced Application
Create sophisticated projects, understand ethics, and showcase mastery through capstone work
Who This Program Is For
Tech Tinkerers is ideal for learners who have completed Code Explorers or AI Creators and want a physical world challenge, are comfortable with logic, sensors, and basic coding, and enjoy building things that move, respond, and solve real problems. Some students join directly at Level 1 with foundational support.
Program Completion Outcomes
By the end of Tech Tinkerers, students will understand how intelligent systems are built, wired, and coded; train AI models and integrate them into physical devices; debug, document, and improve their own creations; and present working prototypes that solve real-world problems.
Complete 8-Level Curriculum
Each level builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive learning journey that develops both technical skills and creative thinking. Students progress at their own pace while mastering essential concepts.
Smart Inputs and Reactive Systems
Students learn to connect sensors to microcontrollers and create systems that react to environmental inputs with lights, sounds, and motors.
Sample Project Outcome
A light-sensitive alarm system that beeps and flashes when darkness is detected.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Design AI-powered reminders for daily routines
- Program AI to trigger safety alerts based on input
- Adjust AI settings for user preferences and safety needs
Learning Outcomes
- Connect and calibrate various sensors
- Read sensor data in code
- Understand analog vs digital sensors
Learning Outcomes
- Create basic electronic circuits
- Wire sensors to output devices
- Understand electrical safety principles
Skills Developed in This Level
Building Behavior with Code
Students create more complex behaviors using programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and variables to control system responses.
Sample Project Outcome
A fan that activates only when it's hot and dark, then resets after a delay.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Use AI to monitor and respond to environmental data
- Automate devices for efficient energy consumption
- Assess the energy savings from AI-driven automation
Learning Outcomes
- Implement various loop structures
- Create timed sequences
- Manage multiple concurrent processes
Learning Outcomes
- Write complex conditional statements
- Create multi-factor decision systems
- Handle edge cases in logic
Skills Developed in This Level
Embedded AI – Training Models for Physical Action
Students learn to train AI models and embed them into physical systems that can recognize gestures, sounds, or images and respond with physical actions.
Sample Project Outcome
A desk assistant that turns on a lamp when you wave and plays music when you smile.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Configure AI to process gestures and voice input
- Link AI commands to physical device responses
- Troubleshoot misrecognition issues in AI input
Learning Outcomes
- Train custom AI models for physical systems
- Optimize models for real-time use
- Handle model uncertainty in physical systems
Learning Outcomes
- Map AI predictions to physical responses
- Create smooth AI-driven movements
- Handle prediction delays and errors
Skills Developed in This Level
Multi-Sensor Projects and Feedback Loops
Students create sophisticated systems that combine multiple sensors and use feedback loops to create adaptive, intelligent behaviors.
Sample Project Outcome
A plant monitor that detects dryness and low light and triggers a reminder buzzer—with a cool-down timer.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Program AI to issue health and wellbeing reminders
- Customise AI alerts for timing and content
- Evaluate the effectiveness of wellbeing prompts
Learning Outcomes
- Integrate multiple sensor types
- Create sensor fusion systems
- Handle conflicting sensor data
Learning Outcomes
- Implement system memory
- Create learning-like behaviors
- Design adaptive responses
Skills Developed in This Level
Autonomous Robotics with AI Control
Students build autonomous robots that use AI to navigate, make decisions, and interact with their environment intelligently.
Sample Project Outcome
A robot that follows your hand using vision input, then parks itself when it sees a red stop signal.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Build AI systems for basic navigation tasks
- Test navigation systems in varied real-life scenarios
- Implement safety measures for AI navigation systems
Learning Outcomes
- Program precise motor movements
- Create coordinated multi-motor systems
- Implement movement algorithms
Learning Outcomes
- Implement obstacle avoidance
- Use AI for navigation decisions
- Create safe autonomous movement
Skills Developed in This Level
Design for People – Human-Centered AI Systems
Students learn to design AI systems with people in mind, considering usability, accessibility, and ethical implications of their creations.
Sample Project Outcome
A talking assistant that announces room temperature and light levels using speech output and sensor data.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Design AI features to support accessibility needs
- Test AI accessibility tools with different users
- Refine tools based on user feedback
Learning Outcomes
- Understand user-centered design principles
- Create accessible AI systems
- Design for diverse user needs
Learning Outcomes
- Conduct user testing
- Gather and analyze feedback
- Iterate based on user needs
Skills Developed in This Level
Prototyping & Real-World Engineering
Students learn professional engineering practices, creating robust, well-documented systems that can handle real-world conditions.
Sample Project Outcome
A weather warning system that reads outdoor light and humidity, explains its decision on-screen, and logs data to memory.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Generate clear instructions and guides with AI
- Use AI to create diagrams and visual aids
- Revise AI-generated documentation for accuracy
Learning Outcomes
- Design robust electronic circuits
- Implement proper wiring practices
- Create maintainable systems
Learning Outcomes
- Create comprehensive project plans
- Document system designs
- Use engineering design processes
Skills Developed in This Level
Final Capstone – Invent and Present
Students design, build, and present their own intelligent device that solves a real-world problem, demonstrating mastery of AI, electronics, and engineering principles.
Sample Project Outcome
A fully functional intelligent device—like an AI-powered sorting bin, a smart security lamp, or an interactive game board—that students present and demo at a final showcase.
Core Topics (4)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify real-world problems suitable for AI solutions
- Develop and test AI-based prototypes
- Present AI solutions effectively to an audience
Learning Outcomes
- Identify meaningful problems to solve
- Generate creative solution ideas
- Evaluate solution feasibility
Learning Outcomes
- Select appropriate sensors and actuators
- Choose suitable AI approaches
- Design system architectures
Skills Developed in This Level
Ready to Start Your Child's AI Journey?
Join Tech Tinkerers and give your child the skills they need for the future. Our expert instructors and proven curriculum make learning AI fun, accessible, and impactful.