HF Robotics
HF Robotics FIRST LEGO League Team
HF Robotics is a youth FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team for students in grades 4–8 who want to explore robotics, coding, and hands-on STEM learning. The team has been competing since 2014 and is supported by the Homewood Science Center and generous community donors. Families are always welcome at both practices and competitions.
About the FIRST LEGO League Team
What We Do: Each season, the FIRST LEGO League challenges our team to research a real-world problem—such as recycling, food safety, or clean energy—and develop an innovative solution. Team members also design, build, and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot to compete on a themed table-top playing field. This blend of research, engineering, and teamwork helps students build confidence and essential STEM skills.
When we’re not preparing for competition, HF Robotics stays active in the community by volunteering at Homewood Science Center’s PopUp SCIENCE events and participating in local fundraisers.
When We Meet: The competition season runs August–December. The team typically practices on Thursday and Sunday afternoons or evenings, with additional sessions added as competitions get closer. A final regional competition takes place each December. For the most up-to-date schedule, email info@hfrobots.com.
Where We Meet: Practices are held at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL.
How to Join or Sponsor: If your student is interested in joining the HF Robotics FLL team—or if you’d like to support youth STEM education as a donor or sponsor—please contact us at info@hfrobots.com.
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HF Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge Team
Tech Ninja Team is a competitive robotics team for students in 7th–12th grade from across Chicago’s south suburbs. Team members represent several local schools, including Homewood-Flossmoor High School, James Hart, Parker Junior High, and Infant Jesus of Prague. The team has been competing since 2015 and is supported by the Homewood Science Center, Schneider Electric, and many generous individual donors.
About the FIRST Tech Challenge Team
What We Do: Tech Ninja Team represents HF Robotics in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), a global robotics competition. Each season brings a new engineering challenge, pushing team members to design, build, program, and operate robots that compete head-to-head against other FTC teams. Students develop real-world skills in engineering, coding, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that prepare them for advanced STEM opportunities.
Outside of competition season, the team stays active by fundraising at community events and volunteering at the Homewood Science Center’s STEM Saturdays.
When We Meet: The FTC season runs August–February. Tech Ninja Team typically practices on Friday and Sunday evenings, with additional practice days added as competitions approach. Weekend competitions take place throughout the season.
Where We Meet: Practices are held at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL.
Competition locations vary and will be announced as the season progresses.
How to Join or Sponsor: If you’d like more information—or if your student is interested in joining or you wish to become a sponsor—please contact the team at info@hfrobots.com.