ABOUT US
We are the clockwork cardinals.
The Clockwork Cardinals are a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team located in Boston, MA.
Our team includes engineers, programmers, and outreach specialists, all with different levels of experience, who each focus on different aspects of robotics to create a productive environment for the team. We are always looking for new members, so feel free to come by to Room 53 and join us!
WHAT IS FTC?
FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.
Find out more about FTC here.
Meet our 2023 - 2024 robot!!
Our robot, Chopsticks, has had quite the history. It's gone through numerous design choices, ranging from a 3D printed claw to a complex arm design with a shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint. Ultimately, we settled for a basic design with a shoulder joint and a simple hexagonal claw that has foam mesh inside it to effectively grip game pieces. Our robot uses mecanum wheels (which are wheels that allow the robot to move from side to side without turning). We also designed an airplane launcher that launches airplanes using elastic tension. Though our robot is simple it is actually quite effective overall.
our Philosphies
To be committed and to be enthusiastic about robotics
To maintain a positive and fun learning environment
To harbor a safe, kind, and healthy learning environment meant for people with all levels of expertise
OUR goals
To engage in the wonders of STEM
To grow our robotics community and extend our partnerships and opportunities
To have fun!!
Outreach
HAGGERTY SCHOOL STEAM EVENT
On May 9th, 2024, our robotics team went to Haggerty School in Cambridge and demonstrated our FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Lego League robots to children from PreK to Grade 6.
ROBOHUB
Our team partnered with RoboHub, an organization that unites robotics experts from across the globe, to spread word of the benefits of joining a FIRST robotics team.
KINGsley montessori
On May 7, 2024, our robotics team went to Kingsley Montessori in Boston to share the wonders of FIRST and STEM. Kingsley students learned about FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge, created their own paper airplanes, and learned how to drive our robot.
Fenway park stem day
Our robotics team was invited to demonstrate our robot at Fenway Park for their STEM day, which is meant to build interest in STEM learning in children of all age groups. We taught children about basic aerodynamics and how to make an effective airplane design, about FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge, and how to drive our robot.
Other examples of our outreach include:
Teaching 30 underprivileged kids, aged 5 to 10, coding and building, 3 hours each week for 3 months.
Reaching out to university students and requesting guidance from alumni.
Reaching out to local business for sponsorships as well as reaching out to technology companies for their insights.
Sponsors
