Junior Innovator.
AI literacy, real electronics, CAD, 3D printing and first drone builds.
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Junior Innovator is the GNR Robotics grade band for Grades 6–9. Students learn AI literacy, electronics with transistors, sensors and motors, CAD design and 3D printing, build autonomous robots with Arduino, and start building drones.
What are the objectives?
- Build sensor-driven automation and autonomous robots with Arduino and ESP32
- Program in Scratch, then Python
- Explain how AI systems learn from data, and use AI responsibly
- Design parts in CAD, slice them and 3D print them
- Understand how a drone flies and assemble one
What is covered in each grade?
| Grade | Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Circuits, switches, motors and simple machines. Computational thinking, Scratch and basic 3D modelling. | Circuits and mechanisms projects |
| 7 | LDR, IR and temperature sensors, alarms, automatic lighting and motor control. Scratch games, simulations and CAD. | Automated machine |
| 8 | Arduino, motor drivers, line-following and obstacle-avoiding robots, introductory IoT. Python, AI literacy, CAD, slicing and 3D printing. | Autonomous robot |
| 9 | Arduino/ESP32 embedded programming, sensors and actuators. AI concepts, the AI project cycle, Python and responsible AI. | Smart-device project |
Topics follow the grade-wise courses in our school curriculum proposal.
Kits and tools
Arduino and ESP32 boards, sensors, motor drivers, CAD software, a 3D printer, drone training platforms from our partner Dronacharya Tech Hub, and a project workbook.
Learning outcomes and assessment
By the end of the band, students can build and program a robot that senses and reacts to its surroundings, print a part they designed, and explain the basics of how AI and drones work. For CBSE schools, the band aligns with Kaushal Bodh, the CT&AI curriculum and, in Grade 9, AI (417) or IT (402).
Students are assessed on their builds: each grade ends with a project they demonstrate and explain to mentors and family.
How is it delivered?
26 classes a year, taught in person by trained mentors at your school or at our Horamavu and Vijayanagar centres. Each student gets a hands-on kit, a project workbook and LMS access with video lessons, quizzes and chapter PDFs. No individual laptops are needed.
Other grade bands
Tinker Explorers (Grades 1–2) · Foundation Builders (Grades 3–5) · TechPreneurship Track (Grades 10–12)