Tech Tracks
Our lab research specialists have identified 11 fields of emerging technologies. Each field contains 3 tech tracks, focusing on a specific technology within that emerging tech sector. Tech tracks contain 3 tech kits which are further broken down into three different difficulty tiers:
Beginner - Ideal for newcomers eager to explore and build a strong foundation in core concepts.
Intermediate - Requires basic tech knowledge and encourages deeper problem-solving.
Advanced - Presents a complex challenge to deepen mastery through open-ended exploration.
Each tech kit is self-guided and meant to be completed within 30 – 60 minutes. Check out each tech track to learn more about the various technology and resources we provide within each level of tech kit.
Learning Activities
Each of the seven learning blocks focuses on three related technologies. Each Tech Kit focuses on a different technology and is broken down into three different tiers all meant to be completed within 30 – 60 minutes.
Beginner is meant for an user who knows nothing about a technology but wants to start learning. Intermediate assumes some base knowledge about the technology and provides less direction. Advanced is open ended and gives the user a more complicated task to perform. Check out each technology page to get a description of each level of tech kit.
Lab Kits
Tech Kits that are available at Innovate Labs due to hardware requirements and resources only found within the lab.
Virtual Kits
Tech Kits that are available through our website when you log into your UConn email account. These kits can be done in the lab with our laptops or in the comfort of your home but may require you to download software.
Eco Innovate
The third tech offered in the lab is our Eco Innovate which seeks to further the development of ecologically sustainable technology while educating on the importance of respecting the environment and adopting environmentally friendly development practices and technologies.
Grow 2 Give
With Grow2Give, our ‘Littlest Huskies’ at the Child Development Lab learn about the plant life cycle and complete a fun art project by decorating pots and planting mint plants. The plants are then donated to undergraduate students, as studies have shown that taking care of a plant has many of the same benefits to mood, sense of wellbeing, and connectedness that come from taking care of a pet. The fact that they were grown and decorated by preschoolers for this intended purpose can only enhance this beneficial impact.
FarmBot is an autonomous open-source computer numerical control (CNC) farming robot that prioritizes sustainability and optimizes modern farming techniques. Using computer numerical control, FarmBot can accurately and repeatedly conduct experiments with no human input and therefore, very little error. We can write sequences, plan regimens and events to collect data 24/7 in addition to monitoring the system remotely. This allows us to plan as many plants, crops, inputs, and operations as needed.
