Lately we’ve been in our robotics era—can you blame us? Robotics is exciting, hands-on, and the perfect blend of creativity and engineering. But let’s be real: STEM is more than robots! It’s time to shine the spotlight on the many other courses where kids can build essential STEM skills—all while having an absolute blast.
So, if your child has ever said, “I’m not really into robots,” we hear them! Whether they love video games, designing, coding, or creating, they can build essential skills for the future with these STEM courses.
Why STEM skills matter more than ever
The world is changing fast! STEM education is the key to preparing kids for the jobs of tomorrow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as non-STEM jobs by 2031.
And even if your child doesn’t dream of becoming an engineer or scientist, the need for STEM skills is everywhere—from video game development to filmmaking to AI-driven technology.
No matter which STEM course your child chooses, they’re guaranteed to build these essential skills:
- Problem-solving: Whether designing a Minecraft adventure or debugging a Python program, STEM helps kids think critically and find creative solutions.
- Creativity and innovation: The best ideas come from thinking outside the box—just ask any 3D artist, game designer, or AI developer!
- Tech literacy: The future is digital, and kids who are comfortable with coding, 3D modeling, and game engines will have a huge advantage.
And the best part? STEM is fun! Especially when kids get to create something on their own. These four courses prove you don’t need robots to be a part of the STEM world.
1. Game Design with Minecraft (ages 7-9)
If your child loves Minecraft, why not take it to the next level? This course turns playtime into an interactive learning experience, introducing game design, storytelling, and creative problem-solving. Kids will build their own levels, design puzzles using redstone, and enhance gameplay with command blocks.
What they’ll learn:
- Design levels & custom maps
- Use redstone inputs and outputs to solve problems
- Experiment with command blocks for interactive gameplay
Why kids love it: It feels like playing Minecraft, but they’re actually learning real game design skills!
2. 3D Printing Camp with Blender (ages 10-12)
What if your child could bring their ideas to life in the real world? Using 3D printing and Blender, they’ll transform digital designs into physical objects. Whether it’s a custom toy, a figurine, or a desk organizer, they’ll learn the full process from design to print.
What they’ll learn:
- 3D modeling & design fundamentals in Blender
- Best practices for 3D printing & troubleshooting
- Hands-on experience operating a 3D printer
Why kids love it: They take home their own designs—it’s like magic, but it’s science!
3. Python Camp: Intro to Coding & AI (ages 13-17)
Python is one of the most in-demand and best coding languages for kids—and this STEM course makes it exciting and accessible. Teens will start with the fundamentals and quickly level up to machine learning and AI. From programming a Rock, Paper, Scissors AI to experimenting with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, this course gives them hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
What they’ll learn:
- Python coding fundamentals
- AI & machine learning concepts with Teachable Machine
- Hands-on projects using OpenAI tools like ChatGPT
Why teens love it: They get to create their own AI-powered projects—from chatbots to smart recommendations!
4. Game Design Academy with Unreal Engine 5 (ages 13-18)
For teens serious about game design, Unreal Engine 5 is the ultimate tool. Used by major studios for games like Fortnite and Rocket League, this engine allows students to bring their creative visions to life. They’ll learn how to build levels, program mechanics with Blueprint Visual Scripting, and develop a fully playable 3D prototype.
What they’ll learn:
- Game design & development fundamentals
- Blueprint Visual Scripting (no coding experience needed!)
- Level design, lighting, and animation
Why kids love it: They leave with a real game prototype—perfect for portfolios and college applications!
TL;DR
Lately we’ve been in our robotics era, but STEM is so much more. Whether your child loves video games, design, coding, or creating, they can build essential STEM skills—all while having a blast. These four iD Tech courses prove you don’t need robots to be a part of the STEM world:
Game Design with Minecraft (ages 7-9): Turn playtime into game design with redstone, command blocks, and custom maps.
3D Printing with Blender (ages 10-12): Design and print real-world objects, from figurines to gadgets.
Python Camp: Intro to Coding & AI (ages 13-17): Code in Python and explore AI with hands-on projects like chatbots.
Game Design with Unreal Engine 5 (ages 13-18): Build real games using the same tech as major studios.
Resources to learn more:
Employment Projections | Employment in STEM occupations