Here, in Room 233 at Carl Hayden High School, a school ranked among the worst-performing in the state, something amazing happens. One teacher, year after year, makes a connection that often eludes others. Even when many of his students are from families where English is rarely spoken, or whose parents don't have time to dote on their children. Even when budget cuts cause whispers of teacher layoffs. Or when students' lives outside the campus make classroom lessons seem hollow. In the midst of it all sits a group of students and a teacher, devoted.

Year after year, Room 233 is where Lajvardi - known to the kids as Coach Fredi or Ledge - begins his experiment. Lajvardi builds up students until they build mechanical marvels that can walk and crawl or swim, pick up objects and respond to remote commands. It's where he lays the groundwork that transforms some of these kids from underdogs into university students.

Read More