Hewlett High School has rock’em, sock’em robotics teams

To boost the rise in providing students with a curriculum that emphasizes science, Technology, engineering and math (STEM), Hewlett High School has developed robotics teams that compete at regional and state level competitions.
The teams — Roboboogie, Innovo, and Bionica compete through the FIRST FTC (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology- FIRST Technology Challenge) program. Roboboogie was the first beginning in 2009, followed by Innov in 2012 and Bionica, an all-female squad, a year later.
“The kids really like working on the team because it’s a very social event,” said Matt Schildknecht, the school’s robotics teams advisor. “We meet on Fridays, from 3-10 p.m., and have dinner together. Sometimes we have around 45 people participating. They enjoy the actual building and competition.”
Schildknecht said working on a robotics team enhances engineering and computer skills. “In building, the students can learn the basic mechanics, such as different parts of the robots like the wheels and chassis,” he said. “Building also involves creativity and brainstorming. They learn computer programming and the different programs used in operation, like Java or C++.”
Bionica team member and Hewlett High senior Alison Hagen joined the rookie team last year hoping to learn a lot, but said she couldn’t have predicted the extent of the incredible experiences to come. “From my involvement on Bionica, I have met numerous intelligent inspiring people, dealt with fast problem solving, learned entrepreneurship skills and exposed myself to future career paths,” she said. “The opportunities from FIRST FTC robotics are endless. On an all-girls team we are given the ability to make our own decisions without being overshadowed by boys.”

Chenab Khakh, a junior and first year member of Roboboogie, said that for her, robotics is one of the best extracurricular activities offered to teenagers. “Not only can you learn skills in science, engineering and math but also you will develop long lasting friendships and community relationships,” she said. “A lot of trial and error goes into building a successful robotics team. By working within our team, with our sister teams and with our mentors and problems from engineering to programming can be solved.”
Bionica hosted a qualifier at the high school on Jan. 31, where Roboboogie won the first place Inspire Award. Then Bionica and Innovo competed at Syosset’s qualifier where Bionica won the first place Connect Award, and Innovo won the first place Inspire Award on Feb. 7-8.
At the New York City/Long Island Regionals at New York University Polytechnical School of Engineering, Innovo won the first place Innovate Award, Roboboogie won the third place Inspire Award, and Bionica won the first place Connect Award and the second place Inspire Award on March 8. Roboboogie and Bionica competed in the East Super Regionals at the University of Scranton, March 19-21, but didn’t win any awards there.
The students learn how to overcome challenges even during the competitions, Hagen said. “It can get very chaotic and problems often occur,” she said. “For example, after matches, a battery or motor could need to be changed, some screws tightened, or we could have to practice driving the robot to figure out the problems.”
Khakh said that she looks forward to her next year working with her team. “For the future we hope to expand our presence in the community,” she said. “We hope to inspire younger children to take a greater interest in STEM by continuing the legacy of the FTC teams at our school.”