NAC029 - Niner Academy: Electronics 301: Build your Own Robot
Course Overview
Hands-On Electronics & Robotics for Future Engineers
Ready to level up your STEM skills? Electronics 301: Build Your Own Robot is an immersive, project-based summer camp for high school students in grades 9–12 who want real experience with electronics engineering and robotics design.
Hosted in partnership with the William States Lee College of Engineering, this camp blends guided instruction with hands-on building so students can learn by doing—then leave with a robot they built themselves.
Learn the Fundamentals of Electronics Engineering
Students begin by building a strong foundation in circuits and components, exploring how electronic systems are designed, powered, and tested. Working with low-voltage batteries, campers complete engaging projects that make concepts practical and approachable.
Topics Include
- Circuitry basics and safe power fundamentals
- Sensors and inputs that help devices “detect” the world
- LEDs and outputs for signaling and feedback
- Logic gates and decision-making in electronic systems
- DC motors and how motion is created and controlled
Read Schematics, Build Circuits, Solve Problems
Campers learn how to read and create basic circuit schematics, apply math and reasoning to understand their designs, and practice troubleshooting when something doesn’t work the first time (because that’s real engineering).
Engineering Skills Students Will Practice
- Interpreting circuit diagrams and wiring layouts
- Testing circuits and refining designs based on results
- Debugging and problem-solving with instructor support
- Applying logical thinking to improve performance and reliability
Build a Robot from the Ground Up
Then it’s time to bring everything together. Students step into robotics, learning how circuits, coding, and mechanics work as one system to create an intelligent machine. Along the way, they explore how robots sense, move, and respond—just like the devices used in modern industry and research.
Capstone Project
- Design and assemble a working robot
- Integrate components like sensors and motors
- Test, iterate, and improve performance through hands-on experimentation
- Take home your finished robot as a showcase piece for future STEM opportunities
Who This Camp Is For
Whether you’re brand new to electronics or already building projects at home, this camp is designed to help you grow. You’ll gain confidence with tools and concepts used in real engineering pathways—and discover what it feels like to create something that actually works.
Why Electronics 301 Matters for Teens
- Builds practical skills in electronics and robotics (not just theory)
- Introduces engineering thinking, design iteration, and troubleshooting
- Supports STEM exploration for college and career pathways
- Encourages creativity, innovation, and independent problem-solving
- Creates a tangible outcome: a robot you designed and built yourself
Invent, Innovate, and Take Home Your Robot
If you’re a high school student who loves building, tinkering, and figuring out how technology works, Electronics 301: Build Your Own Robot is your launchpad to the technology of tomorrow. Join us for a week of invention—and leave with a robot that proves what you can do.
Earn a Digital Badge Upon Completion!
Your commitment to lifelong learning will be recognized with a digital badge. These badges serve as a tangible indicator of your accomplishment and skills. Share your digital badge on professional platforms like LinkedIn, include it as a link on your digital resume, and embed it in your e-portfolio. This recognition can make you stand out to colleges and employers.