What is the Belt Program?
This is our most popular program for good reason! Naperville, IL parents love the variety of technical skills and soft skills their student gains as they progress through the various ‘Belts’ or levels. Kids get excited about the fun, hands-on activities within each lesson that incorporate the latest technology like robotics, drones, AI, 3-D printing, and more! Our knowledgeable instructors begin each class with a lesson, followed by an activity designed to reinforce the new concepts. Parents receive regular progress reports to keep them in the loop allowing them to confidently talk with their student about everything they’re learning and cheer on their achievements at the Belt graduation ceremony!
Select the Belt that is right for your student based on your child’s interest and age.
See how excited your kid can be about learning! Our free, no obligation trial class lets your student try out our program to make sure they’ll LOVE iCode! The trial includes an instructor-led lesson followed by a hands-on activity. Leave your email address and we’ll be in touch soon to schedule your free trial!
DESCRIPTION
COMING SOON! The Jr. STEAM Belt program provides a hands-on exploration of STEAM, blending it with the arts through activities and projects like jungle exploration, space missions, and prehistoric adventures. This 9-month program focuses on building dexterity and introducing young learners to the world of STEAM, fostering creativity and critical thinking in children aged 5-7.
KEY CONCEPTS
- Intro to Scratch
- STEAM Basics
- Engineering
- Arts
- Science
- Mathematics
SPRINTS
- Jungle Adventure: Explore the wonders of the jungle, its flora and fauna, and the secrets it holds.
- Space Race: Blast off into space and discover the mysteries of the universe.
- Prehistoric Creatures: Travel back in time to learn about dinosaurs and other ancient creatures.
- Musical Creation: Unleash creativity through the exploration of music and sound.
- Medieval Fantasy: Enter a world of knights, castles, and dragons, and the science behind the myths.
- Sports Medicine: Understand the human body, health, and fitness through the lens of sports.
- Ocean Biology and Cycle: Dive into the ocean’s depths to learn about marine life and ecosystems.
- STEAM Detectives: Solve mysteries using critical thinking and scientific methods.
- Innovation Station: Encourage innovation and creativity with a focus on inventing and problem-solving.
- Jr. STEAM Belt Final Project Using Scratch: Culminating the program with a final project using Scratch to showcase all that they have learned.
SOFT SKILLS
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Fine Motor Skills
OUTCOMES
- Introduction to Scratch
- Engineering Design
- Creative Problem Solving
- STEAM Integration
- Hands-on Exploration and Innovation
DESCRIPTION
This course teaches game development and computer fundamentals through Scratch, covering programming basics, functions, custom code blocks, and integrating physical components, while also imparting key skills in flowcharting, Agile Methodology, Digital Logic, and electrical engineering.
KEY CONCEPTS
- Computer Basics
- Programming Fundamentals
- Agile Methodologies
- Scratch Programming
SPRINTS
- Computer Foundations
- Introduction to Programming with Scratch
- Computational Thinking
- Advanced Scratch Programming
- Digital Logic
- Exploring STEM Professions I
- Exploring STEM Professions II
- Hands-on Scratch
- Final Project: Interactive Simulation Creating from Scratch
SOFT SKILLS
- Critical Thinking
- Project Management
- Planning and Design
OUTCOME
- Customized Game
DESCRIPTION
This course covers the evolution and impact of automation and robotics, teaching students about mechanical systems and computer control through hands-on projects using VEX Robotics to create objects like traffic lights and robotic arms.
KEY CONCEPTS
- VEX Code
- Engineering
- Electricity
- 3D Modeling
- 3D Printing
- Art of Design
SPRINTS
- Robotic Fundamentals
- Robotics with VEX IQ
- Advanced Robotics
- 3D Modeling
- Midterm Robotics Project
- Electricity
- Electricity II
- Engineering Design
- Final Project: Build a Complex Robot
SOFT SKILLS
- Teamwork
- Project Development and Ideation
- Fine Motor Skills and Coordination
- Critical Observation
OUTCOMEs
- 3D Printed Innovation
- Small Scale Smart Home Simulation
- Robot Design Solution
Description:
This course helps transition students from block coding to type coding through interactive Minecraft Education activities, covering core programming concepts like events, variables, and functions, engaging in block coding activities that transition into completing Minecraft Education activities with Python coding and using Lua to create Roblox games, fostering a deeper understanding of block- and text-based coding while emphasizing problem-solving, debugging, and collaborative projects to prepare students for more advanced coding challenges.
Key Concepts:
- Programming Fundamentals
- Interactive Lessons
- MakeCode Programming
- Block Code Programming
- Transitioning Between Block and Text Code
- Python Programming
- Lua Programming
- Game Development
Sprints:
- Introduction to Minecraft and Programming
- Intermediate Programming Concepts
- Advanced Programming Concepts
- Python Basics: From Blocks to Code
- Roblox Digital Citizenship and World Building
- Game Design for Roblox and Lua Programming
- Game Design for Roblox and Lua Programming II
- Comprehensive Roblox Development
- Final Project
Soft Skills:
- Problem-Solving
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Attention to Detail
Outcomes:
- Proficiency in Text-Based Coding
- Understanding Core Programming Concepts
- Experience with Minecraft Education and Roblox game development
DESCRIPTION
This course covers the technical and artistic essentials of website development, from crafting web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to selecting hosting services and publishing online, while also learning to create high-quality website assets using professional photography techniques.
KEY CONCEPTS
- HTML/CSS Programming
- Web Development and Design
- Introduction to Text-Based Coding
- Javascript
- Graphic Design
- Databases
- Photography
- Visual Studio
SPRINTS
- Web Development
- Web Development II
- Photography
- JavaScript I
- Midterm
- Graphic Design
- Databases
- Web Hosting
- Final Project
SOFT SKILLS
- Creativity
- Design Thinking
- Logical Thinking
- Writing Reports and Proposals
OUTCOMES
- Development of a Dynamic Website
- Photography Portfolio
DESCRIPTION
This course takes students from concept to published mobile app, teaching foundational and advanced app development skills in Visual Studio IDE, .NET MAUI, C#, and XML, with a focus on practical application, enabling them to progressively build and launch their own app.
KEY CONCEPTS
- C# Programming
- Mobile App Development
- Visual Studio + MAUI
- Storyboarding
- Mobile App Design
SPRINTS
- Introduction to App Dev with Maui +
VS - App Development
- Working with Prototypes
- Advanced C# Coding
- Data Handling and Management
- Debugging and Testing
- Preparing and App for Launch
- Launching your App
- Iterative App Design
SOFT SKILLS
- Entrepreneurship
- Visual Communication
- Innovation
- Design Thinking
OUTCOMES
- Development of Customized App
- Launch a Mobile Application
DESCRIPTION
This course combines Python programming and Arduino microcontroller projects with gamified learning through DJI drones and ChatGPT, teaching students object-oriented programming, AI, machine learning, automation, data science, and electronics design.
KEY CONCEPTS
- Python Programming
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Arduinos
- Electrical Engineering
- Introduction to OOP
SPRINTS
- Introduction to Python with Drones
- Advanced Drone Programming
- Algorithms in Python
- Data Science
- Intro to OOP in Python
- Machine Learning and AI
- Arduino
- Arduino II
- Arduino III
SOFT SKILLS
- Multitasking
- Strategic Thinking
- Strategic Design
- Strategic Planning
OUTCOMES
- Automated Drones
- Electrical Engineering Solutions
DESCRIPTION
This course teaches students game development and design with Unreal Engine 5, covering animation, level design, simulations, audio design, and programming with Blueprints, culminating in a portfolio-ready game to share.
KEY CONCEPTS
- Blueprint Programming
- Unreal Engine 5
- Game Development
- Artistic Game Design
- Audio and Video Generation
- First Long-Term Development
Project
SPRINTS
- Game Design in Unreal Engine 5
- Blueprints
- Level Design and Material Editor
- Adding Custom Content
- Cinematic Sequences
- Final Project Phase 1 (Pre-Alpha)
- Final Project Phase 2 (Pre-Alpha)
- Final Project Phase 3 (Alpha)
- Final Project Phase 4 (Beta)
SOFT SKILLS
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Planning
- Computational Thinking
- Collaboration
OUTCOME
- Ready for Release Unreal Engine 5
Game
DESCRIPTION
This course delves into computer networks and Internet protocols, covering topics from IP addressing and routing to the client-server model, alongside project management via hackathons and an exploration of smart technologies and embedded systems.
KEY CONCEPTS
- Python Programming
- Cisco IOS
- UNIX/Linux
- Networking
- Information Security
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- System Architecture
SPRINTS
- Unix/Linux
- Networking
- Information Security
- Hackathon Fundamentals
- Mini-Hackathons
- Block Chain
- IOT
- Embedded Systems
- Final Project
SOFT SKILLS
- Troubleshooting
- Problem-Solving
- Design Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Project Management
OUTCOME
- Robot Developed for Environmental
Solutions
DESCRIPTION
This course teaches Java, OOP, UML, and database management, covering both backend and frontend development concepts to guide students in designing and deploying a fully functional software application in Java.
KEY CONCEPTS
- Java Development
- Object Oriented Programming
- Universal Modeling Language
- Database Development
- ChatGPT
- UX/UI Design
- Application Testing & Deployment
SPRINTS
- Introduction to Java and Backend
Logic - Foundations of OOP and UML
- Relational Database Development
- Integrating Java, OOP, and
Databases in a Project - Advanced OOP, UML, and Frontend
Development - Enhancing the Application
- Deployment Preparation
- Deployment, Monitoring, and
Addressing Real-Time Issues - Final Project
SOFT SKILLS
- Design Thinking
- Computational Thinking
- Abstract Thinking
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Project Management
OUTCOME
- Fully Built and Deployed Web
Application