Seems like this is more about teaching about application engineering rather than the engineering theories. If this is the case, I don't think the $250 is worth

Seems like this is more about teaching about application engineering rather than the engineering theories. If this is the case, I don't think the $250 is worth it? You'll probably get much further mileage by just using that $250 to make stuff. Get some cardboard, popsicle sticks (or even wood) + arduino and sensors with grove connectors.