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Moonshots

Gilmour Academy's competitive robotics team

Learn More Steal Our Code?!
Cool! But...

What is Moonshots?

Tech Challenge

We used to compete in FRC (5973) but have switched to FTC (21681) and love it! From designing cutting-edge machines to mastering complex strategies, we're dedicated to reaching big.

Club and Class

Students participate in our Competitive Robotics class to learn engineering principles and coordination. While the class is a great opportunity, students also join Moonshots as a club.

Team Makeup

Moonshots is lead by a head coach (Mr. Vanek) and assistant coach (Mr. Adiletta). The real work is done by our team captain, software captain, hardware captain, and our all-important admin captain.

Building the Future

Shaping a brighter future through innovation and dedication is messy work! We're making it up as best as we're able. Join in and learn that software, manufacturing, and robotics are all fun!

Team Photos







Moonshot Thinking

Moonshot thinking involves setting goals that are seemingly impossible or far beyond current capabilities, and then working towards them with determination, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Moonshot thinking encourages people to push boundaries.

"I think it is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. I know that sounds completely nuts. But, since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition. There are so few people this crazy that I feel like I know them all by first name." - Larry Page

Gracious Professionalism

Resources

Teaching Materials

The official resources from FIRST are excellent. As a part of our team's community outreach, we're building an online guide using this GitBook.

Scrimmage? Questions?

Please reach out to our head coach if you're interested in a practice match or if your team needs any help.

Code Sharing

We're committed to open-source principles, sharing our code with everyone to foster learning and innovation. Please check out Moonshots' Github page.

First Tech Challenge (FTC)

It’s way more than building robots. 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. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards. More Than Robots®, FIRST participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. Our thrilling, sports-like challenges build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Our participants and alumni gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life.

FTC Teams

Across Northeast Ohio

24.Karat
Cyborg.Puppies
Electric.Hornets
Cannon.Bots
Cleveland
Hacksaw
MHS.Tech.Club
Moonshots
Murphy's.Claw
NDCL.Robotics
RoboVikes
Rho-.botics
Tiger.Robotics
Wreck.Less
Cleveland Solon Kent Kirtland Lyndhurst Medina Gates Mills Akron Chardon Leavittsburg Chagrin Falls North Ridgeville Strongsville Hartville
Questions>

Moonshots Q&A

What code do we use?

We use Java coded in Android Studio. We combine FTCLib's Command-pattern and RoadRunner's autonomous motion... and it almost makes sense to us! Check out our code base.

Do I need experience to join Moonshots?

Not at all! Here at Moonshots we promote both the developement of robotics but also the education about robotics. Come stop by and learn more!

Where can I join Moonshots?

Moonshots is the competitive robotics club and team for Gilmour Academy students grade 7-12. Come on over and become an engineer!

How many people are on the Moonshots team?

Our team may have 5 but no more than 15 people. We have spots available and we would love for you to join!

What's the competition like?

Every year the FIRST Tech Challenge designs a new game that involves moving game pieces and moving the robot in tricky ways. At the start of the year, we'll all gather together to watch the release of this year's game.

Why are you giving your code away?

We buy into the whole "coopetition" idea where our rivals are seen as other learners to be supported. We hope our code, CAD assets, instructional material, and live support will help your team be as competitive as possible. Moonshots Github