Weekly STEM Education Classes for Kids in Austin, TX. :
iCode’s Belt Program

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

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

In the Foundation Belt, students embark on their journey into the digital world with Codie, their friendly learning robot. Through nine engaging sprints, they build essential computing and programming skills while developing creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Beginning with the basics of computer foundations and Scratch programming, students gradually progress into computational thinking, digital logic, and hands-on invention with circuits. Along the way, they explore real-world professions and the ways technology is shaping the future.

This refreshed version of the Foundation Belt also introduces AI-infused learning experiences. Students learn what artificial intelligence is, how large language models (LLMs) work, and how to interact with them through simple natural language prompts. They use AI as a creative teammate—to brainstorm ideas, generate code suggestions, and enhance their projects—while also reflecting on its advantages and limitations. By the end of the belt, students will apply everything they’ve learned to design and build their own custom multi-level Scratch game, demonstrating not only their growth as young programmers but also their ability to collaborate with AI in meaningful, responsible, and innovative ways.

KEY CONCEPTS

• Programming: Scratch 3
• Computer Basics
• Agile Methodologies
• Touch Typing
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Logic Tables
• Digital Inputs and Outputs
• Control Flows
• Large Language Models
• Prompts
• Text Generation

SPRINTS

• Sprint 1: Computer Foundations
• Sprint 2: Intro to programming with Scratch
• Sprint 3: AI & Computational Thinking Fundamentals
• Sprint 4: Intermediate Scratch programming
• Sprint 5: Digital Logic
• Sprint 6: Exploring Professions
• Sprint 7:  AI-Enhanced Game Design in Scratch 
• Sprint 8: Hands-on Scratch
• Sprint 9: Final Project

SOFT SKILLS

• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Planning and Design

OUTCOME

• Customized Game

AI Infusion: 

• Students will explain what artificial intelligence is and how it differs from traditional programming.
• Students will describe how large language models (LLMs) process and generate text. 
• Students will identify real-world examples of AI in daily life (e.g., chatbots, recommendations, assistants).
• Students will practice writing simple natural language prompts to interact with AI. 

• Students will analyze how different careers (e.g., medicine, art, engineering) are being transformed by AI.
• Students will reflect on the benefits and challenges of using AI in professional fields. 

• Students will generate creative ideas for characters, dialogue, or design elements using AI tools.
• Students will apply AI-generated code snippets or suggestions to improve their Scratch games.
• Students will evaluate the usefulness of AI-generated solutions compared to their own coding solutions. 

• Students will integrate AI support (for code, design, or storytelling) into their final project. 
• Students will justify their choice of when and how to use AI in their project workflow.

DESCRIPTION

In the White Belt, students expand their skills as young engineers by diving into the world of robotics, coding, and design. Using the VEX IQ platform, they explore robotic fundamentals, build and code autonomous systems, and develop problem-solving strategies through hands-on challenges. Students also explore 3D modeling, electricity, and the engineering design process, culminating in a comprehensive final project that integrates all of their learning.

With AI-infused learning, students gain experience writing clear prompts to obtain build plans, parts lists, and starter code, while also learning to evaluate and adapt AI-generated suggestions. They practice using AI as a problem-solving teammate, applying its feedback to enhance robot performance and efficiency, and reflecting on its advantages and limitations. Throughout the belt, students strengthen teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity while gaining confidence in both robotics and AI as tools for innovation. By the end of the White Belt, students will showcase their growth through a final project that blends engineering, robotics, and AI collaboration to design meaningful real-world solutions.

KEY CONCEPTS

• Programming: VEX Code
• Robotics with VEX IQ
• Engineering Design Process
• 3D Modeling
• 3D Printing
• Electricity
• Art of Design

SPRINTS

• Sprint 1: Robotics Fundamentals
• Sprint 2: Robotics with VEX IQ
• Sprint 3:  Advanced Robotics with AI Integration
• Sprint 4: 3D Modeling
• Sprint 5: Midterm Robotics Project
• Sprint 6:  Electrical Engineering with AI insights
• Sprint 7: Electricity II
• Sprint 8: Engineering Design
• Sprint 9: Final Project

SOFT SKILLS

• Team Collaboration
• Project Development and Ideation
• Fine Motor Skills and Coordination
• Critical Thinking

OUTCOMES

• 3D Printed Innovation
• Robot Design Solution

AI Infusion: 

• Students will develop skills in writing clear and effective AI prompts for obtaining build plans, part lists, and starter code.
• Students will evaluate AI-generated robotics instructions and adapt them according to real-world constraints and available materials.
• Students will implement at least one AI-suggested improvement to enhance the functionality and efficiency of a VEX IQ robot.
• Students will enhance teamwork and critical thinking skills while integrating AI suggestions into robotics projects.
• Students will reflect on the effectiveness, advantages, and limitations of AI in the robotics design and building process.
• Students will practice using AI tools for problem-solving and troubleshooting in the context of robot design and programming.
• Students will gain confidence in using AI chat interfaces and VEX IQ IDE for robotics innovation and exploration.

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: MakeCode and Lua
• Transition to Text-Based Coding
• Digital Citizenship
• Game Design Principles
• 3D Modeling
• User Interface (UI) Design

SPRINTS

• Introduction to Minecraft and Programming
• Intermediate Programming Concepts
• Advanced Programming Concepts
• 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
• Adding Features
• Final Project

SOFT SKILLS

• Team Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Creativity
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Critical Thinking

OUTCOMES

• Custom Blocks in Minecraft
• Custom Roblox Game

AI Infusion: 

• Students will develop skills in writing effective AI prompts for identifying and resolving code issues.
• Students will gain experience in utilizing AI-generated solutions to enhance code quality and functionality.
• Students will collaborate with peers to integrate AI feedback with traditional debugging practices.
• Students will explore ways AI can assist in optimizing code and improving project documentation.
• Students will reflect on how to balance AI assistance with their own coding skills to solve programming challenges.
• Students will recognize the benefits and limitations of using AI in programming tasks.
• Students will identify and articulate personal strategies for incorporating AI into future coding projects.
• Students will understand how AI can be used as a tool for debugging and documentation in coding projects.

DESCRIPTION

In the Orange Belt, students step into the world of web development, design, and interactivity. They begin by learning the foundations of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build websites, games, and interactive projects. Along the way, they explore photography, graphic design, UI/UX principles, CSS animations, and web hosting—gaining the full experience of what it means to create and launch digital content. Each sprint builds technical skills while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

With AI-infused learning, students are introduced to the concept of vibe coding and learn how large language models (LLMs) can assist in web development. They practice writing clear natural language prompts to generate HTML/CSS, apply AI-generated code to improve their designs, and rebuild projects such as their “Gallery Portfolio” with AI assistance. Throughout the belt, students also reflect on how AI can accelerate and inspire creative projects while learning to balance their own problem-solving skills with AI-powered collaboration. By the end of the Orange Belt, students will showcase their growth as developers and designers through a final project that highlights their ability to blend coding, creativity, and AI innovation.

KEY CONCEPTS

• Programming: HTML, CSS, and JS
• Web Development and Design
• Graphic Design
• Databases
• Photography
• Visual Studio

SPRINTS

• Sprint 1: Introduction to Web Development
• Sprint 2: Styling with CSS
• Sprint 3:  Photography and AI Image Editing
• Sprint 4: Javascript
• Sprint 5: Midterm
• Sprint 6: Graphic Design in the AI Era
• Sprint 7: Advanced CSS Animations
• Sprint 8:  Web Hosting and Vibe Coding 
•  Sprint 9: Final Project

SOFT SKILLS

• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Writing Reports and Proposals

OUTCOMES

• Development of a Dynamic Website
• Photography Portfolio

AI Infusion: 

• Students will explain what “vibe coding” is and how it works with large language models (LLMs). 
• Students will write clear natural language prompts to generate useful HTML/CSS code with AI. 
• Students will apply AI-generated code to customize and improve website designs. 
• Students will rebuild and enhance their previous “Gallery Portfolio” project using AI assistance. 
• Students will reflect on how AI tools can accelerate and inspire future creative projects.

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

• Programming: C# and XML
• Mobile App Development
• .Net MAUI
• Mobile App Development
• Mobile App Design

SPRINTS

• Introduction to App Development
• App Design Principles of XML
• Game Creation in CS
• Midterm
• Data Handling and Management
• Working with APIs
• Creative Entrepreneurship and Marketing Basics
• Product Development Basics
• Final Project

SOFT SKILLS

• Entrepreneurship
• Visual Communication
• Innovation
• Storytelling

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

• Programming: Python 3
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Microcontrollers
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Design Process
• 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
• Planning
• 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

• Programming: UE5 Blueprints
• Unreal Engine 5
• Game Development
• Artistic Game Design
• Audio and Video Generation

SPRINTS

• Game Design in Unreal Engine5
• Blueprint Scripting
• Level Design and Material Editor
• Adding Custom Content
• Cinematic Sequences
• Final Project Phase 1
• Final Project Phase 2
• Final Project Phase 3
• Final Project Phase 4

SOFT SKILLS

• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Planning
• Collaboration

OUTCOMES

• Ready for Release Unreal Engine 5 Game

DESCRIPTION

This course, developed in partnership with NetFire, 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

• Programming: BASH and Python
• OSI and TCP/IP Models
• UNIX and Linux
• Information Technology
• Information Security
• Virtualization
• System Administration
• Web Security
• Blockchain
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Embedded Systems
• System Architecture

SPRINTS

• Networking Foundations with Linux (NETFIRE)
• Systems & Web Security  (NETFIRE)
• Information Security
• Hackathon Fundamentals
• Mini-Hackathons
• Block Chain
• IOT
• Embedded Systems
• Final Project

SOFT SKILLS

• Troubleshooting
• Problem-Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Team Collaboration
• Communication
• Project Management

OUTCOMES

• Complex Embedded Projects using Arduino

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

• Programming: Java and SQL
• Unified Modeling Language (UML)
• Security Implementation
• Software Integration
• Web Applications
• REST Architecture
• Software Architecture

SPRINTS

• Introduction to Java
• Java OOP
• Spring into the Web
• Crafting Relationships with a Workbench
• Improving the Display
• The Beginning of Something Big
• Designing like a Pro
• Interactivity 2.0
• Final Project

SOFT SKILLS

• Strategic Planning
• Team Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management

OUTCOMES

• Design and Develop an Industry-Aligned Web Application