U-Design

Session I: July 7th-11th 2025
Session II: July 14th-18th 2025
Time(s): Drop-Off 8:30-9:00 AM | Pick-Up 4:00-4:30 PM
Location: 8 St Mary’s St, Boston, MA 02215

Think Like an Engineer!

U-Design is a fun STEM program with a focus on engineering. It is designed for children who will be entering grades 6-9 in the fall of 2025. Each U-Design workshop offers a hands-on workshop experience to give young students the opportunity to learn about engineering and broader STEM concepts. Students use their creativity and apply the engineering design process as they experiment, design, analyze, build and solve challenging problems.

U-Design is a challenging and creative program developed and taught by an outstanding team of experienced science and engineering technology teachers. In addition to the workshop teacher, a team of Boston University engineering students serve as mentors.

A limited number of scholarships are available for students and families that qualify for state and federal assistance programs. Please contact us for more details or download the PDF below. You may email us at u-design@bu.edu for more information.

  • What do the students say?

    “I can’t wait to go to college and learn all about this stuff.”

    “I liked the feeling of finishing something challenging. All the projects were great.”

    “I like how you could think of something, then build it. It was a lot of fun.”

    “I can’t wait to come back next summer!”

  • What do the parents say?

    “This program exceeded our expectations: my son was engaged and challenged every day. Thank you to all the teaching assistants, engineers, and teachers.” – Parent whose son attended for two summers.

    “My kids loved the program and are inspired to continue projects at home.”

Workshops

Electrifying Discoveries
Grades rising 6th – rising 7th students
Have you ever wondered how electricity lights up our world and how magnets can work their magic? Join us for an electrifying adventure in our “Electrifying Discoveries” summer workshop, where you’ll uncover the secrets of electricity and electromagnetism, and put your newfound knowledge to the test! 

Program Highlights: 

  1. Hands-On Exploration: Dive into the fascinating world of electricity and electromagnetism through hands-on experiments and projects. Learn the principles behind these powerful forces and discover how they shape our daily lives.
  2. Wire Circuits and Security Systems: Gain practical skills by wiring circuits and exploring the world of security systems. Learn to create simple circuits and understand how they power various devices and technologies.
  3. Design a Secret Candy Safe: Become a master engineer by designing and building your very own secret candy safe with an electromagnetic lock and alarm system. Keep your sweet treasures safe while learning the art of electromagnetic locks.
  4. Motor Building: Roll up your sleeves and build a motor from scratch! Understand the inner workings of motors and witness firsthand how they convert electrical energy into motion.
  5. Unleash Your Creativity: Let your imagination soar as you design your own inventions. Whether it’s a dazzling strobe light, an entertaining carnival game, or a mystery creation, this is your chance to showcase your inventiveness.
  6. Take Home Your Toolbox: Each student will receive a toolbox filled with essential materials to continue exploring electricity and electromagnetism at home. It’s the perfect starter kit for future inventors and engineers.
  7. Inspiring Instructors: Our dedicated instructors are passionate about science and technology. They’ll guide you through every experiment and project, providing valuable insights and encouragement.

Introduction To Robotics
Grades rising 6th – rising 7th students

Have you ever wanted to bring robots to life? Join us for an exciting journey into the world of robotics in our “Introduction to Robotics” summer program, hosted by passionate Boston University undergraduates! Get ready to explore, build, and code your way to becoming a robotics whiz. 

Program Highlights: 

  1. Hands-On Robot Building: Dive into the world of robotics by creating your own mechanical marvels! Using LEGO Spike Prime robotics kits, you’ll learn to assemble, program, and customize robots that can react to their surroundings.
  2. Design Challenges: Challenge your creativity and problem-solving skills with thrilling design challenges! Navigate intricate 3-D obstacle courses, undertake daring search-and-rescue missions, and gear up for a final interactive competition, which could involve soccer matches, sumo battles, or other exciting sports showdowns.
  3. No Experience Necessary: Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, our program is designed for those who are just starting their robotics journey. No prior programming or building knowledge is required. We offer a series of progressive challenges tailored to your level of expertise.
  4. Coding with Scratch: Dive into the world of coding using Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming platform. Learn the basics of coding and discover how to make your robots follow your commands and perform incredible tasks.
  5. Inspiring Instructors: Our undergraduate engineering instructors are passionate about robotics and dedicated to guiding you through every step of the journey. They’ll share their knowledge, insights, and enthusiasm to help you succeed.
  6. Collaboration and Friendship: Work alongside fellow young engineers, form lasting friendships, and collaborate on exciting robotics projects. Teamwork is at the heart of our program.
  7. Showcase Your Creations: Present your robot creations to your peers, instructors, and parents at the end of the program. Celebrate your achievements and demonstrate the amazing things you’ve built and programmed.

Introduction to Electrical Engineering
Grades rising 7th – rising 8th students


Are you curious about how electronics work? In this hands-on course, students will dive into the fundamentals of electrical engineering through interactive projects and real-world applications. Using Arduino microcontrollers, participants will learn to write and modify code, connect circuits, and build their own electronic systems. 

Students will explore Tinkercad, a powerful online simulation tool, to design and test their circuits virtually before bringing them to life. Through engaging challenges, they’ll develop critical problem-solving skills and gain an understanding of core electrical engineering concepts, including voltage, current, and resistance. 

By the end of the course, students will have built and programmed a variety of projects, such as LED light sequences, interactive sensors, and motor-driven devices. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or just love to tinker, this class will spark your creativity and introduce you to the exciting world of electronics and coding! 

Click Here to Register

Tuition: $650 per student 

Credit card payments can be made using AMEX, DISC, MC, or VISA.

 

Questions?

Contact us by e-mail at u-design@bu.edu