Design Requirements

• Custom design in CAD
• Arduino board and motor driver shield
• Most components should be 3D printed
• Strandbeest should move forward, backward, and turn

Additional References/Resources

• Build a walking robot: Theo Jansen style 3D printed octopod
• Arachnobeest – Walking Octopod XRP Jansen Mechanism Robot
• I 3D Printed a Huge Strandbeest
• Robot Arduino Bluetooth – Strandbeest

Design Requirements

• Mini BD-X Droid (code named “Duck Mini”)
• Fully animated movement, with articulated head and antennae
• Majority of parts will be 3D Printed
• Digital display on chest and LEDs for eyes and spotlight
• Integrated sound effects

Additional References/Resources

• Building a BD-X Droid from Galaxy’s Edge
• Disney’s Bipedal, BDX-Series Droid Gets The DIY Treatment
• Open Duck Mini Repository

Design Requirements

• Gaggia Classic or Gaggia Classic Pro (starting machine)
• Add touch-screen display
• Install GAGGIUINO
• Research additional modifications

Additional References/Resources

• TURNING A $450 MACHINE INTO A $3000 ESPRESSO MACHINE!: Gaggia Classic Pro FRANKENSTEIN
• Upgrade your Gaggia in 2024
• Gaggiuino Website

Design Requirements

• Articulation performed by inexpensive servos
• Controlled by an Arduino
• Majority of parts should be 3D Printed
• Custom CAD design

Additional References/Resources

• Robotic Arm with Arduino – Save/Play/Export/Import Positions
• 3D Printed Robot Arm (Arduino)

Design Requirements

• Custom CAD design
• Final drone dimensions no larger than 6″ x 6″ x 2.5″
• Majority of parts should be 3D Printed or CNC machined
• Custom control code

Additional References/Resources

• How to Build a Cool & Cheap 3D Printed Mini Drone
• Custom 3D-Printed 5-Inch FPV Drone – Full Build Walkthrough

Design Requirements

• Compatible with the Mini Robotic Arm
• Capable of grabbing/dispensing toys up to 3 inches in diameter
• Majority of parts should be 3D Printed
• Controlled using an Arduino
• Case should be small and sturdy

Additional References/Resources

• Servo Claw Machine V2 – Cyberbrick Build Tutorial
• DIY Mini Claw Machine [3D Printed]

Design Requirements

• Custom CAD design
• Majority of parts should be 3D Printed
• Controlled using standard RC controller and Arduino
• All electronics and actuators should be waterproof

Additional References/Resources

• 3D Print RC Boat Racing UV27 Gen 1
• 3d Printed RC Jet Boat is way TOO FAST

Design Requirements

• Articulation performed by inexpensive micro-servos
• Controlled by an Arduino
• Majority of parts should be 3D Printed
• Custom CAD design
• Capable of displaying numbers, letters, and basic animations

Additional References/Resources

• 3D Printed Flip Dot Display #1 – First Prototype
• Mechanically Multiplexed Flip-Dot Matrix
• The BEST Mechanical Display You’ve EVER Seen!!

A welcoming environment doesn’t happen by accident. It’s intentionally designed through teaching practices, relationships, structure, and physical space. Below are the key elements I focus on when creating learning environments where young people can thrive—especially in technology and STEM-focused settings.

Encouraging Creativity and Participation

Creativity is at the heart of meaningful learning, particularly in technology education. Whether students are coding, building, designing, or problem-solving, they need to feel safe taking risks and sharing ideas.

A welcoming environment encourages participation by:

• Valuing ideas over “right answers”
• Treating mistakes as part of the learning process
• Offering multiple ways to engage, such as discussion, hands-on work, or independent exploration

For middle and high school students, fear of judgment can be a major barrier. When educators actively invite questions, celebrate effort, and model curiosity, students are more likely to speak up and participate. Parents can look for programs where students are encouraged to experiment and where creativity is seen as a strength—not a distraction.

Presenting Content That Is Relevant to All Ages and Experience Levels

In any youth education setting, students arrive with varying levels of experience. Some may have been coding or tinkering for years, while others are encountering technical concepts for the first time. A welcoming environment meets students where they are.

Effective educators:

• Scaffold lessons so beginners can succeed while advanced students stay challenged
• Use real-world examples that connect learning to students’ interests
• Offer flexible pathways to explore content at different depths

When content feels relevant and accessible, students are more confident and engaged. Parents should look for programs that avoid “one-size-fits-all” teaching and instead adapt instruction to support growth for every learner.

Cultivating Strong Relationships and a Sense of Belonging

Students are more likely to succeed when they feel they belong. This is especially important during adolescence, when social dynamics and self-identity play a major role in motivation and confidence.

A welcoming learning environment prioritizes relationships by:

• Learning students’ names and interests
• Encouraging collaboration rather than competition
• Creating norms of respect, kindness, and inclusion

In technology education, teamwork is often essential. When students trust their peers and educators, they are more willing to collaborate, ask for help, and support one another. Parents can often sense this atmosphere by observing how students interact and whether educators treat learners as individuals rather than just participants.

Establishing Structure and Clear Expectations

While creativity and flexibility are important, structure provides students with a sense of security. Clear expectations help students understand what is required of them and how they can succeed.

Strong educational environments:

• Clearly communicate goals and expectations
• Maintain consistent routines and procedures
• Set fair boundaries around behavior and collaboration

For middle and high school students, structure helps reduce anxiety and creates predictability. When expectations are clear, students can focus their energy on learning instead of guessing what’s expected. Parents should feel comfortable asking educators how rules, feedback, and accountability are handled.

Designing an Inclusive and Comfortable Physical Space

The physical environment plays a powerful role in how students feel when they walk into a classroom or lab. A welcoming space signals that students belong there.

Inclusive physical spaces often include:

• Flexible seating or work areas to support different learning styles
• Accessible layouts and materials
• Visual cues that reflect diversity and student work

In technology classrooms, this might mean well-organized workstations, clearly labeled tools, and spaces for both collaboration and quiet focus. When students feel physically comfortable and included, they’re more likely to engage and take ownership of their learning.

Final Thoughts

Creating a welcoming environment for youth education is about more than curriculum or equipment—it’s about people, purpose, and intentional design. As a technology educator, I’ve seen how these environments empower students to grow not only in skills, but in confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

For parents, choosing programs and classrooms that prioritize inclusion, structure, creativity, and connection can make a lasting difference in your child’s educational journey. When young people feel welcomed, they don’t just learn—they thrive.

Here are a few practical strategies that have helped in our home and may help in yours.

Create Screen-Free Times

One of the most effective ways to manage screen use is by setting clear, predictable times when screens are simply off-limits. These boundaries help kids understand that technology has a place—but not everywhere.

Common screen-free times might include:

• Family meals, especially dinner, where conversation and connection matter most
• Homework time, so focus and learning come first
• After 9pm on weekdays, to protect sleep and support healthy routines

By tying screen-free time to daily rhythms, the rules feel less arbitrary and more like part of a healthy lifestyle.

Use Parental Controls as a Support Tool

Parental controls aren’t about spying or punishment—they’re about setting guardrails. Most devices and platforms now offer tools that allow parents to:

• Set daily time limits
• Restrict access during certain hours
• Filter age-inappropriate content

Used thoughtfully, these tools reinforce expectations and reduce daily negotiations. They also provide peace of mind, especially as kids grow older and explore more digital spaces.

Model Healthy Behavior

Kids are always watching. If we’re checking phones during conversations or scrolling endlessly after work, they notice—even if we don’t realize it.

Modeling healthy screen habits can be as simple as:

• Putting your phone away during family time
• Talking out loud about why you’re choosing to unplug
• Showing balance by enjoying books, hobbies, or outdoor time

When children see adults managing screen use intentionally, it gives them a powerful example to follow.

Encourage Alternatives to Screens

Screens often fill empty space, so offering engaging alternatives makes a big difference. Encourage activities that spark creativity, movement, and curiosity, such as:

• Sports, biking, or neighborhood play
• Reading, drawing, or building projects
• Board games, puzzles, or family challenges

The key is helping kids discover that fun and fulfillment exist beyond a screen—and sometimes require just a little nudge to get started.

Be Consistent and Clear

Consistency builds trust. If screen rules change daily or aren’t enforced, kids quickly become frustrated or confused.

Try to:

• Clearly explain expectations ahead of time
• Apply rules evenly (including consequences)
• Revisit guidelines as kids grow and responsibilities change

When expectations are clear and consistent, children are more likely to respect boundaries—even if they don’t always agree with them.

Finding Balance, Not Perfection

Limiting screen time isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. Screens are a part of modern life, and when used thoughtfully, they can be educational, social, and inspiring. By setting boundaries, modeling healthy habits, and offering meaningful alternatives, we help our children learn balance—an essential skill they’ll carry with them long after they leave our homes.

As parents, we’re navigating this challenge together, one unplugged moment at a time.