Curious minds exploring the core of computers
Welcome to the Tech Explorers Club! This kid-led, parent-supported group is for curious young minds who already have some hands-on experience or self-taught know-how with computers—and are eager to dig deeper! Whether they’ve built their own PC, dismantled a keyboard just to see what’s inside, tinkered with Raspberry Pi, installed Linux for fun, or binge-watched YouTube tutorials about how computers work—this is their tribe. In this collaborative club, we’ll explore the systems, parts, and inner workings that make computers tick. Members should bring a basic understanding of computers and an unstoppable curiosity. Note: This club isn’t about gaming, robotics, or hardcore coding—it’s all about unlocking the mysteries inside the machine!
Goals for this club include: fostering curiosity and confidence in tech exploration; encouraging teamwork and peer learning, and supporting both hardware tinkering and OS/software exploration.
Club Details:
- Day: Thursdays, biweekly
- Dates: Fall 2025- September 18, October 2, 16, 30, November 13, December 4
- Time: 3:00 pm- 4:00 pm
- Location: Suite D
- Grades: 5th – 8th (ages 10-14)
- Donations Needed: Old computer parts, tools for disassembly, and electronics kits
Register Here:
Read below for a list of proposed projects and activities for the club:
Computer Hardware
- Disassemble and reassemble old computers, identify and understand internal components
(CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, etc.), and compare hardware preferences (keyboards, mice,
etc.) - Network basics
Operating Systems & Software
- Explore Windows, Linux and macOS interfaces and install/tinker with open-source OS
- Discuss tools like Scratch, Python, or HTML (for building, not gaming)
- Try app or game mock-up designs
Hands-On Project Ideas
- Group PC builds (real or virtual)
- Diagnose and troubleshoot broken tech
- Boot Linux from a USB drive
- Understand how firewalls, passwords and encryption work
- Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Micro:bit, bread boarding
- Basic circuitry and electronics projects
- Online escape rooms with computer science themes
- Ethical hacking and cybersecurity awareness
- Virtual tours (like the Computer Museum in MD)
- Peer Q&A sessions for troubleshooting
- Guest speakers or field trips (pending availability)