Free Range Kids classes expose, encourage, and educate students on a wide range of technical topics.  They include subjects such as:

  • Careers in engineering and sciences
  • 3D printing
  • Computer hardware
  • Robotics
  • Exploration of electronics
  • Add more !

The current Free Range Kids middle school curriculum is series of 10 classes scheduled once a month during the school year from September to June. The classes range from 45 – 60 minutes in duration. We adapt class times to fit the school’s schedules and preferences.

STEM Class Curriculum

1. Introduction to Careers in Science / Engineering

  • What is engineering?
  • What is the maker community?
  • Why programming is important
  • The science and importance of personal notebooks

2. 3D Printing / Scanning

  • How it works
  • Live Demo – instructor(s) bring 3D printer/scanning equipment to lesson
  • Why it’s important – practical applications
  • Future visions of the technology (career paths)

3. How Does A Computer Work

  • Major components of a computer
  • Walkthrough of a high-performance build – instructor(s) bring equipment to lesson
  • Practical applications of building (your own) computer or for others (possibilities for Business / Entrepreneurship)
  • Career paths

4. Robotics

  • What are robots?
  • Practical Applications of Robotics in Industry
  • Live Demo – instructor(s) bring robots/equipment to lesson
  • How to start working with robots – tools and opportunities for students & educators
  • Career paths

5. Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) / Architectural Design

  • Background and overview of CAD Design
  • Background and overview of Architecture/Structural Design
  • Hands-on Interactive lesson about Bridges (types, structures, resonance (Tacoma Narrows))
  • Free design tools for students (Google Sketchup), Review of Professional Tools
  • Career paths

6. Jet Engines

  • How an engine works
  • How a jet engine works
  • Hands-on interactive lesson with engine model
  • Why it matters
  • Career Paths

7. Embedded Computing / Electronics

  • Background and overview of Field, Practical Applications for Devices
  • Examples of Devices – Interactive Demonstration, instructor(s) to bring boards and programs to lesson
  • Programs/Equipment/Resources available to students to go further
  • Career paths

8. Helicopters/ Quadcopters

  • Background and overview of Discipline
  • Examples of helicopters/quadcopters – Interactive Demonstration, instructor(s) to bring models to lesson to demonstrate
  • History of CT Manufacturing (Sikorsky / Kaman)
  • Career paths

9. Animation / Video Editing / Sound Design

  • Background and overview (evolution) of field
  • Interactive lesson to introduce current software tools, instructor(s) to bring computer to demonstrate current toolsets
  • Career paths

10. Modern Music Production

  • Background and overview (evolution) of field
  • Interactive lesson to introduce current software tools, instructor(s) to bring computer to demonstrate current toolsets & hardware examples of music production tools (e.g. ‘Grooveboxes’)
  • Career paths

Learn More How Free Range Kids Helps Your Students
Contact us:
Free Range Kids
222 Pitkin Street
East Hartford, CT, 06108
860.490.3488
[email protected]
(a supported initiative of the Triple Helix Corporation)