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
- How to connect sensors and actuators to microcontrollers
- How to design physical systems that respond to environmental inputs
- How to train and embed simple AI models into real-world projects
- How to think in systems: input → logic → output → feedback
- How to prototype, troubleshoot, and iterate like an engineer
Our AI Approach
Tech Tinkerers doesn't just use AI—it embeds it. Learners train models to recognize sound, motion, images, or sensor patterns and use these predictions to control physical systems. From gesture-based lighting to reactive robots, this is applied AI in action.
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Write sensor-responsive programs
- Create threshold-based triggers
- Debug sensor-related issues
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Implement state machines
- Manage system memory
- Create persistent behaviors
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Design multi-response AI systems
- Create contextual AI behaviors
- Implement confidence-based responses
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Design evolving system behaviors
- Implement feedback-driven changes
- Create self-improving systems
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Process camera data for navigation
- Implement visual following behaviors
- Create goal-seeking robots
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Design inclusive AI systems
- Test for bias in physical AI systems
- Create equitable user experiences
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Develop systematic debugging skills
- Create fault-tolerant systems
- Implement error handling
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 (3)
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
Learning Outcomes
- Build complete working systems
- Create compelling presentations
- Demonstrate technical competency
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.