Services for Developing the Curriculum and Teaching Materials for the course “C++ Programming in Arduino IDE”

1. Background

INOTEK is an innovation and entrepreneurship center based in Cahul, in the south of the Republic of Moldova. Its mission is to strengthen local capacities, support entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

As part of developing the STEM education component in the region, INOTEK is implementing the initiative “Equal Opportunities through Digital Education”, within the project “BOOST: a memorable extracurricular experience”, financially supported by the European Union and implemented by Terre des hommes Moldova Foundation, in partnership with the Alliance of NGOs active in the field of Child and Family Social Protection (APSCF) and Junior Achievement Moldova.

The project aims to facilitate social inclusion and develop essential digital skills for children and young people aged 7–14 from marginalized communities in southern Moldova, through expanded access to innovative extracurricular programs.

3. Purpose of the procurement

Selection of an expert/company that will develop the full curriculum for the course “C++ Programming in Arduino IDE”, consisting of 35 lessons of 2 hours each, including:

• modular structure,
• lesson-by-lesson planning,
• age-appropriate pedagogical content,
• kits and resources,
• assessment and final project,
• methodological guide for mentors.

3. Curriculum objectives

The curriculum will aim for participants to:

1. understand fundamental electronics concepts (circuit, voltage, current, resistance, sensors/actuators);
2. program in Arduino IDE (simplified C/C++) or alternatively using blocks;
3. use equipment and components correctly and safely;
4. build and test functional prototypes;
5. develop logical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication;
6. complete a demonstrable final project (individual or team-based).

4. Scope of work – activities and responsibilities

4.1 Curriculum and materials development

• Full curriculum plan (modules + lessons).
• Lesson plan for each of the 35 lessons (2h), including:
• objectives, competencies, key vocabulary, required materials, step-by-step scenario, timing by activity, checking questions, differentiation (for different learning paces), homework/mini-task (optional).
• Student worksheets and/or short lesson guides (PDF).
• Sample code for each lesson (.ino files) + explanations.
• Practical projects: minimum 20–25 mini-projects + 1 final capstone project.
• Assessment rubric (clear criteria) + tools (quizzes, checklists, observation, portfolio).
• Mentor guide: methodology, classroom management, common mistakes, safety, troubleshooting, recommendations for teamwork.

4.2 Resources, kit and safety

• Recommended list of Arduino kit and components (minimum and optional), including quantities per team/participant.
• Minimum lab equipment requirements (laptops, cables, power supplies, organization).
• Safety rules for children (electronics, temperature, tools, desk order, power supply).
• Plan for preventing component damage (use of resistors, limits, proper handling).

4.3 Piloting (recommended) and revision

• Submission of a “Draft” version to INOTEK.
• Incorporation of feedback (minimum 1 revision round).
• Optional: support for piloting 1–2 lessons (online or in person) and final adjustments.

5. Recommended program structure

The curriculum should include a similar (adaptable) structure:

1. Introduction to Arduino, lab rules, IDE, first sketch (2–3 lessons)
2. Basic electronics + LEDs + resistors + signals (4–6 lessons)
3. Inputs: buttons, potentiometer, simple sensors (6–8 lessons)
4. Outputs: buzzer, servo, motors (4–6 lessons)
5. Advanced sensors: light/temperature/ultrasonic, displays (6–8 lessons)
6. Integration: mini-projects, debugging, optimization (4–5 lessons)
7. Final project: design, build, testing, presentation (3–4 lessons)

6. Deliverables

The provider will deliver in editable format + PDF:

1. General curriculum (master document) – objectives, competencies, modules, lesson mapping;
2. Lesson plans – 35 lessons (standardized format);
3. Student materials (worksheets/guides) per lesson or per module;
4. Arduino code files (.ino) organized by lesson;
5. Set of projects (mini + capstone) with instructions and rubric;
6. Assessment tools (rubrics, checklists, quizzes – as applicable);
7. Mentor guide (methodology, differentiation, troubleshooting, safety);
8. Kit & resources list (BOM – Bill of Materials) + recommendations.

7. Provider profile (qualifications)

• Demonstrated experience in Arduino / educational robotics.
• Experience in teaching / curriculum development for children (major advantage).
• Ability to produce clear, structured educational materials.

8. Copyright and use

• All deliverables produced under the contract will be the property of INOTEK, with the right to use, adapt, and reproduce them for educational purposes.
• The provider will declare that materials are original or legally used (with attribution where applicable).

9. Application procedure

The offer will include:

• technical proposal (methodology + work plan + proposed structure),
• financial offer (gross amount for individuals / total amount in MDL, VAT-exempt for legal entities),
• company profile (for legal entities),
• CV/portfolio of the involved expert.

10. Deadline and submission method

Offers shall be sent to nmocanu@inotek.md and rnegru@inotek.md by 16 March 2026, 16:00.

The extended deadline for submitting bids is: March 21, 2026 4:00 PM local time.