Alarm Robotics: STEM activities to share as of September 19 2025

Alarm Robotics: STEM activities to share as of September 19 2025

Dear readers,

We are excited to share these STEM activities and updates with you!

Alarm Robotics

Alarm Robotics Engineering in a Nutshell Workshop series - Community Libraries of Providence

ALARM Robotics is hosting a series of Engineering in a Nutshell Workshops at the Wanskuck Library  in Providence, Ri. The workshops will introduce core engineering and robotics concepts through hands-on activities. Registration required

Introduction To Website Building | Richards Memorial Library

Students in grades 6 to 8 can join a beginner-friendly, 5-week course in which students learn how to make websites. Starting Wednesday October 15, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, the workshop will be hosted at Richards Memorial Library. Students will learn HTML and CSS, and will build their own websites from scratch. Laptops are required. The final session will include a parent showcase of student projects.

Robot Coding Club | Richards Memorial Library

On Thursday, October 9, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, students ages 7 to 12 can work in small groups to solve new coding challenges with Dash Robots at Richards Memorial Library. This monthly club encourages problem-solving and teamwork. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

STEM4WARD PYTHON Course

STEM4WARD will be hosting a FREE online 10 week Python workshop on Fridays from 5:00 to 6:30 pm starting Sept. 19th. Students in grades 4 to 12 are welcome. Register here.

SCRATCH Coding Series for kids | Plainville Public Library

Beginning Saturday, October 11, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, students in grades 4 to 8 can attend an 8 week Scratch coding series at Plainville Public Library. They will create interactive stories, games, and animations. Each class builds on the previous one. Participants must bring their own laptops.

3D Printing After School | Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

On Monday, September 29, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, students with prior 3D printing experience can use the #D printers at Attleboro Area Industrial Museum to work on personal projects. An instructor will be available to provide minimal support. The event is "donate what you can" with a suggested amount of $10.

Robotics meets Archaeology: Expedition to RISD Museum

On Sunday, September 21,12:30 PM, FLL Challenge teams can explore archaeology during a robotics-themed field trip to the RISD Museum in Providence. Entry is $10 per participant. General museum admission is free on Sundays (does not include admission to the event).

AI in Journalism | Community Libraries of Providence

Community Libraries of Providence will host a program on how artificial intelligence is transforming journalism. The session will explore AI's opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations. The event is on October 7 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Rochambeau Library.

Demystifying AI: A Friendly Introduction for Everyday Life | Richards Memorial Library

Richards Memorial Library will offer a beginner-friendly talk introducing artificial intelligence and its everyday uses. The session will help attendees understand key concepts and practical applications. Registration is required. The event is on Wednesday, October 1 from 6:00 to 7:15 PM

Intro to Programming and Electronics with Circuit Playground | Watertown Free Public Library

Watertown Public Library will run a hands-on workshop introducing programming and electronics using Circuit Playground boards. Participants will learn coding basics and build interactive projects. The event is on Monday, October 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Coding Class for Kids for grades K-5 | Ashland Public Library

Ashland Public Library will host a beginner coding class for students in grades K to 5. The program will introduce foundational programming concepts through fun and age-appropriate activities. The program will take place on Saturday, September 27 from 12:15 to 1:15 PM.

Keep Building,

Alarm Robotics

alarmrobotixs2079@gmail.com

kids CAN change the world…

Authored by Vansh Mookim and Isaac Sokolic

ALARM Robotics recognized with prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at 2025 Awards - NE District URI Event

We are happy to share that ALARM Robotics has won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award again this year at the recent robotics competition at University of Rhode Island. View the complete listing of awards -> https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/RIKIN/awards

ALARM Robotics is a Franklin based, community robotics team that calls Red Brick School House its home.

ALARM Robotics

This is what the competition announced about us:

"The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award.

2079 is giving the competition a wake up call. Despite working with a limited budget, they proved their innovation isn't about resources, it's about determination. Through inclusive STEM workshops and mentorship, they've inspired future engineers across all ages, showing that anyone can build, create, and dream. Their impact reaches far beyond competition, proving that true engineering comes from resilience and passion for sharing knowledge."

We have recently published a video on our outreach work ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o6lguBKp1k

4H Alarm Robotics: Stem Newsletter for February 2025

Issue 12: February 4th 2025

Dear readers,

We are excited to share these STEM activities and updates with you!

ALARM Stop Motion Animation Workshop | Hanson Public Library

ALARM Robotics will be hosting a LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop for Grades 3-8 on Friday, February 21 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at the Hanson Public Library. Participants will learn the basics of stop motion animation, which include storyboarding, setting up the frame, frame rate, and focus. LEGOs, minifigs, backdrops, and art supplies will be provided to help participants create their animations. Participants will need a phone with the Stop Motion Studio app installed to participate.

Pong Programming: 3 Day STEM Camp Tickets | Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

The Pong Programming STEM camp will be held from Wednesday, February 19th to Friday, February 21st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Attleboro Industrial Museum. Students aged 14 and older will develop early coding skills by learning to program the arcade game Pong. Attendance for all three days is mandatory, and a $15 deposit is required for registration due to limited space.

Women in STEM: Block Coding Tickets | Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

Celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day by recognizing Countess Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, on Tue, Feb 11, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Attleboro Industrial Museum. During this workshop, participants aged 12 and up will work with Scratch to create their own calculation machine using block code, learning the basics of computer programming. A Scratch account is required, and space is limited; registration and a $5 deposit are necessary.

Free Robotics Workshop Foxborough MA

Moonpreneur invites you and your child to a free in-person robotics workshop on Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00 AM EST in Foxborough, MA. This workshop is designed for children aged 7-14 to engage in hands-on robotics and coding activities. Multiple time slots are available based on age groups, and participants need to bring a laptop for the workshop. Registration is required due to limited space.

Design a Garden City with Amy Chiu at the Boston Public Market

On Friday, February 21 at 10:30am, Amy Chiu, a Harvard x UC Berkeley Learning Designer, will be leading a workshop to build your own Garden City out of cardboard & recycled materials at the Boston Public Market. The event focuses on exploring community design and creating more "greenery for good." Participants will transform overlooked spaces into thriving plant havens, understand the impact of flora & fauna on our world, and come up with innovative garden ideas. The workshop includes creating prototypes of Garden Cities using cardboard & recycled materials

Introduction to Engineering Plastic Filters with the YES Team

This webinar will guide students in understanding the environmental impact of plastics on marine ecosystems and local communities, while empowering them to engineer practical filters to reduce plastic waste. The webinar will be on Thursday, February 13, 7 - 8pm.

Mad Science Presents | Bridgewater Public Library

Come join this Mad Science show that promises thrilling demonstrations with a BOOMing finale! "Don't Try This at Home" features experiments that aren't suitable for kids to replicate at home, which make for an exciting display to watch!

Buildwave - STEM Workshop for Kids | Morrill Memorial Library Norwood

Experience a high-energy, hands-on building program with Buildwave® that feels like a video game! Kids and parents will create projects with materials like Lego® and PlusPlus®, guided by dynamic animations and music. This immersive workshop encourages creativity and collaboration, making it perfect for family bonding. Note: Caregivers must participate alongside their kids. The workshop is February 22nd, 11am to 12pm.

Sketching Science: The Basics of Nature-based Illustration - Community Libraries of Providence

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island will host a workshop featuring preserved specimens to showcase the diversity and beauty of the natural world. Participants will learn about animal features, how to capture them in art, and the value of scientific sketching over photos. This class is designed for children and youth ages 10 and up. No artistic background is needed, just an interest in wildlife and drawing. Registration is encouraged.

Grand Canyons on the Moon Were Made in a Matter of Minutes

Scientists have discovered new lunar canyons that offer insights into the moon's geological history and potential resources for future missions.

Keep building!

Alarm Robotics

alarmrobotixs2079@gmail.com

kids CAN change the world…

Authored by Vansh Mookim

August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

FM #1263-1264  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1263-1264 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2024.  All 9 members were present in Council Chambers. We split the audio into 2 parts, creating a section just of the State legislature update by Senator Becca Rausch and State Rep Jeff Roy, and leaving the opening hour, and remainder of the Council session in the first part.

Quick summary of Part 1 (#1263)

Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

Unanimous approval for the appointments/re-appointments. This should complete the slate of current board, committee, commission positions with a couple of exceptions. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updated that likely early in 2025, an effort to solicit more volunteers for the various positions would be conducted to help refill the potential candidate pool for future opportunities. Note: all the positions appointed are for staggered terms within the respective boards, etc. This is done to enable some organizational knowledge retention among the members of each org. It is easier for 1, 2, or 3 members of a committee to ‘get up to speed’ than it is for an entire group.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule

The passage of these 3 measures should bring us into compliance with the MBTA Community requirements set out by the State. We were close to begin with, and then with the changes started with the Franklin For All project, we got closer. There are still some improvements possible that could be coming as part of the Master Plan. These 3 get us into compliance with the State requirements which keeps the coffers open for grant opportunities. The 3 measures were approved unanimously.

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing

This measure rezones the area along Union and Cottage near the Mill Store and sets it up for redevelopment in mixed use, both residential and commercial/retail space. You can see what the developer is doing with the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott building as an example of what can happen here. This should be good. It was approved unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Alarm Robotics Club 2079

c. Discussion: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Update - Register William O’Donnell

Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)

Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

Part 2 (#1264)

b. Discussion: Legislative Delegation - Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy

Rep Roy and Senator Rausch provided updates on the legislative session that formally closed on July 31. They also responded to questions from the Council and community members present in the room or remotely participating in the meeting.

The recording runs 3 hours and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to Town Council meeting of August 14, 2024

Audio link - Part 1 (#1263)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1263-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-1-of-2/

Audio link - Part 2 (#1264)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1264-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-2-of-2/

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The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour 40 minute session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?t=73s 

Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_14_2024.pdf

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10kZggKLArBB2AbSMxRKHWb8b2iUFIhZH/view?usp=drive_link

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

4H Alarm Robotics schedules LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop for Ages 10-14

LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop

 

"Alarm Robotics, a non-profit community robotics team from Franklin, is offering this free class for students ages 10-14!

Participants will use their phones (required) and the Stop Motion Animation app to produce a Lego stop motion animation.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call 508-699-0122 to register."

When: Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024
Where: Richards Memorial Library, North Attleboro 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/x5dr8NdvxqKk2jSx/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for meeting August 14, 2024

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 14, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. July 17, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for names  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a_appointments.pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition

i. Legislation for Action #9a   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._-_bylaw_amendment_24-906.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

i. Legislation for Action #9b   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._bylaw_amendment_24-907r.pdf

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule

i. Legislation for Action #9c    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._-_bylaw_amendment_24-908.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing

i. Legislation for Action #9d    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d_2.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Robotics Club

b. Discussion: Legislative Delegation - Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Discussion: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Update - Register William O’Donnell

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-51 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-52_-revised_2024_tc_schedule_0.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, if the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_14_2024.pdf

franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for meeting August 14, 2024

ALARM Robotics wins the Engineering Inspiration Award 2 times in a row; goes to the World Championship!

4H ALARM Robotics won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at the New England District Championship at West Springfield in Big E and earned a spot at the World Championship at Houston, Texas. 

ALARM Robotics is a local non-profit community team which has been mentoring students in robotics since 2007 and is set up in Franklin’s very own historic Red Brick School. ALARM stands for ‘A Lot of Awesome Robot Makers’. The team participates in FRC–-FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION run by FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

ALARM Robotics with the FIRST artwork at the World Championship in Houston, Texas. 20 students and 4 mentors from ALARM participated in the World Championship. In the front row are mentors L-R Pallavi Naravane, James Minihane, Nicholas Mosher, Ajit Naravane

For a complete recap of the season -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Ar8pOBbQ9BBpvuuzHYt9A8RbdJEh8-2/view?usp=sharing

Here's a short video recap of our season:  https://youtu.be/E2KXfUeTzbc