Middle School Technology Academy

This workshop provides an immersive, hands-on experience for middle school students to explore career opportunities and skills in computer science, bioengineering, and robotics and mathematics. Over the course of the week, middle school students will learn fundamental coding and programming skills, explore electrical engineering through robotics kits, and apply mechanical engineering concepts to build their own robot in a DIY engineering challenge.

Program Requirements

• Boston Public Middle School Students, grade 6th-8th

• Capacity of 40 students

• Attendance from April 20th -26th, 2025

• Program Fee: $795

• Registration fee to secure seat: $150

• Sibling discount: 20%

• Early bird registration by March 15: 15%

• Referral discount: 10%

Application Questions

• Personal Statement (100 words max): Why are you interested in this program, and what do you hope to achieve? 

• Specialized Interests: If you have a specific interest in a medical area (e.g., pathology, genomics), please describe.         

Program Schedule & Overview

April 20th – Half-Day Orientation (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Introduction to the Program: Overview of the workshop goals, schedule, and expectations.

• Icebreaker Activities: Team-building exercises and introductions.

• Workshop Overview: Brief description of coding, robotics, and engineering.

• Safety & Logistics: Review of safety protocols, tools, and materials.

• Group Assignments: Split into teams for the week’s activities.

April 21st & 22nd – Coding and Programming Lessons (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

• Basic Concepts (Targeting middle/high schoolers)

• 4/21: Introduction to Coding

• Basic programming concepts (variables, loops, conditionals, functions).

• Introduction to a beginner-friendly programming language (e.g., Scratch or Python).

• Hands-on coding exercises to reinforce key concepts (simple games or projects).

• 4/22: Exploring Algorithms and Debugging

• Understanding algorithms and flowcharts.

• Debugging strategies and how to fix errors in code.

• More complex projects to practice coding and programming skills (e.g., creating interactive web pages or simple apps).

April 23rd & 24th – Robotics Kit (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

• Focus on Electrical Engineering

• 4/23: Introduction to Robotics & Electrical Engineering Basics

• Overview of electrical circuits, motors, sensors, and power sources.

• Using a robotics kit to build basic robotic systems.

• Hands-on session with circuit-building and testing electrical components.

• 4/24: Building and Programming the Robot

• Assemble robots using the provided robotics kits.

• Introduction to programming for the robot (basic sensors and movements).

• Test robots and troubleshoot common issues in electrical setups.

April 24th – 26th – DIY Engineering Challenge (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

• Focus on Mechanical Engineering

• 4/24: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Concepts

• Basic principles of mechanical engineering: force, motion, gears, and levers.

• Introduction to the tools and materials for building a robot.

• Design your own robot using materials provided.

• 4/25: Build Your Robot

• Begin assembling your DIY robot based on your design.

• Apply mechanical principles to ensure your robot functions properly.

•  4/26: Final Testing & Presentations

• Final assembly and troubleshooting of the DIY robots.

• Test and demonstrate robots with various challenges or tasks.

• Prepare presentations and share your robot’s design and functionality.

• Take-home challenge: students can take their robots home with them.

 

Materials will be provided: 

• Robotics Kit: Includes motors, sensors, microcontrollers, and other components necessary for building the robots.

• Engineering Tools: Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) and materials for building and testing robots.

• Coding Resources: Access to online coding platforms and software for hands-on programming.

• Workshops & Guest Speakers: Industry experts and professionals guide the students through the technical aspects and answer questions.