Horace Mann's premier FIRST Robotics Competition team, est. 2015.
The Basement Lions strive to create an energetic community of engineers who build more than just robots.
Our diverse team of designers, builders, and coders unites in our home tucked away in the school’s basement. There, we spend countless hours tinkering, contemplating, and building in an atmosphere that’s both challenging and inviting.
When six ambitious students decided to start a robotics team, they occupied just a small pocket in the corner of a student lounge. It was not long before the infectious passion of the founding members transformed the space around them; that corner grew large enough to be called a lab. The team's energy continued to spread, slipping through the shop walls and permeating throughout the whole school. Now, having seen robots involved in everything from dance recitals and diversity presentations to murder mysteries, every student is aware of robotics and the power of STEM.
Our students don't only learn about STEM, but are taught as well to apply their newfound talents toward bettering their community. Within our school, we have worked to foster a love for engineering. Our school is home to three FTC teams, two FLL teams, two Jr. FLL teams, and two Robocup teams. Our FRC team provides mentoring to all nine of these teams. Outside of school, our team has worked with underprivileged kids to cultivate an interest in STEM, and has started a robotics program at a camp for bereaved children. We recognize that it is our obligation to apply what we've been given toward making the world a better place.
View Projects and OutreachPratham is the team's Co-Captain and works with everyone on the team to ensure a safe, successful, and learning-filled season.
Pratham Gandhi Senior
Carmel is the team's Co-Captain and works with everyone on the team to ensure a safe, successful, and learning-filled season.
Carmel Pe'er Junior
Gabby makes sure everything runs smoothly for our team during and beyond the FRC season, working closely with FIRST, the captains, and mentors.
Gabby Fischberg Junior
Spencer ensures proper coding practice, version control, and strict adherence to the style guide.
Spencer Shelton Junior
Kyra is a Design, Build, Test department Co-Head, and leads the department in the design and assembly of the robot.
Kyra Mo Senior
Sam is a Design, Build, Test department Co-Head, and leads the department in the design and assembly of the robot.
Samuel Schuur Junior
Saif is a Design, Build, Test department team lead, and leads a group building a specific subassembly of the robot.
Saif Moolji Senior
Kristin is a Design, Build, Test department team lead, and leads a group building a specific subassembly of the robot.
Kristin Yung Junior
Owen is a Design, Build, Test department team lead, and leads a group building a specific subassembly of the robot.
Owen Karpf Senior
Jayer is our shop foreman and safety captain who watches over our workspace and safety like an angel. He rocks safety goggles better than everybody else.
Jayer Yang Senior
Mr. Levy works with students to foster both love for and proper practice in engineering. He's master of the shop, but always ensures students are making the decisions.
Fred Levy HM Faculty
Mr. Cook advises the robot design and fabrication process, working closely with our student leadership to ensure success both in learning and competition.
Jon Cook Con Edison