Young Engineers – General Curriculum Overview

EHIS Tuition Fee

Young Engineers (EHIS 251162)

 

Young Engineers is an engineering, programming, and construction curriculum of the Happy Classes STEAM hobby school, offering children aged 6–12 a hands-on and engaging learning experience. The curriculum is developed in accordance with the hobby education standard and is based on the school’s development plan and statutes. Teaching focuses on the child’s interests and abilities, providing opportunities to develop creativity, analytical thinking, and technical skills.

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The aim of the curriculum is to spark students’ interest in science, technology, and innovation, and to foster independent learning habits necessary for coping in future society. The learning process is based on three core principles: problem-based learning, project-based learning, and product-based learning. In every lesson, children gain practical experience by building models and solving creative tasks. Learning follows a spiral model, where knowledge and skills become progressively more complex at each level.

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The curriculum is divided into four levels:

• Bricks Challenge (ages 6–10) – fundamentals of classical mechanics and creativity development;

• Galileo Technic (ages 7–10) – construction of more complex machines and application of mechanical principles;

• AlgoPlay (ages 6–10) – basics of programming and robotics through a tangible coding language;

• Robo Toys (ages 9–12) – combining mechanics, robotics, and programming to create more advanced robots.

 

Classes take place year-round once a week (45–75 minutes) in small groups of up to 20 students. Upon completion of the curriculum, children receive a certificate, and at the end of each level an open class is organized for parents. Student development is supported through both oral and written feedback.

 

Teaching materials include specially designed Young Engineers construction kits, tablets, and lesson guides. Teachers have completed specialized training and follow principles of child safety and inclusion. Lessons often begin with engaging stories and examples from the history of science, inspiring children to feel part of the world of technology and science.

 

The Young Engineers program does not require any prior knowledge from students—interest and willingness to participate are sufficient. Step by step, children develop construction, programming, and robotics skills while also building creativity, self-efficacy, teamwork skills, and a broader understanding of natural and exact sciences.

The curriculum was approved by board member Nadežda Kleptsova (Happy Class Steam MTÜ).

 

Preparatory Courses for Children Aged 4–6

 

In addition to the four main levels, the Young Engineers curriculum includes two preparatory courses designed for younger children aged 4–6. These courses prepare children to acquire basic engineering, robotics, and programming skills, following the same methodological principles used in programs for older children. Lesson duration may be shorter (45 minutes) or up to 75 minutes, depending on the children’s age and group characteristics.

 

Big Builders

The Big Builders program focuses on working with building blocks and provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of mechanics. It also broadens children’s understanding of nature and the surrounding world. In the program, children build models that help them understand forces, movement, and everyday phenomena, while also developing fine motor skills, creativity, and logical thinking.

 

Algo Buddy

Algo Buddy is a playful introduction to programming, where children learn to build and “code” robots using blocks and buttons. Each robot performs specific commands, such as moving forward, turning on lights, or imitating different roles from everyday human life. This program gives children their first experience with algorithmic thinking and robotics, while also developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking.

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