Drones seem to be everywhere these days and they were one of this years biggest Christmas gifts. It seems everyone wants to fly a drone and it is no surprise that drones are starting to appear in science classes in the K-12 world. Will we see drones in our adult education classrooms? Think about the potential. Aside from the technology use, there are many project based learning ideas that will engage the adult learners. For example, some schools and programs are using drone technology to create marketing materials for YouTube channels and websites. To do this, students need create a marketing message, develop a plan for implementation, and work collaboratively with classmates. They also need to plan flight routes where they need to consider a drones weight, height, and speed. Students can learn about local ordinances about drones and understand how policies are created. This project includes technology, math/science, language arts, and even social studies.
Drones are here to stay, with Forbes noting “the legalization of commercial drones will create more than $80 billion in economic impact (such as revenue, job creation) between 2015 and 2025."
How can you use drones in your classroom? Here are a few ideas and information about drones.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Kathy Tracey
@Kathy_Tracey
Comments
As an ardent supporter of Project-Based learning, I hope that these and other ideas take off. The concept of working collaboratively in projects is even more enticing! I wonder how much magnification drones allow. In nature, it would be great to see a more microscopic world. I live in the boonies and am considering getting one for my own viewing pleasure on my own land.
Of course, many condemn the use of drones due to their ability to invade privacy. Recently, I read an interesting article that showed how in Japan, I think, drones are deployed in teams equipped with a net to catch individual drones used to invade guarded areas. :) Takes one to catch one, I guess, until they train birds to do it. Leecy
Hi Leecy,
Could you explain "I wonder how much magnification drones allow." Are there drones that have lenses? If so, why? How are they used?
In 2015 I organized a small group of LINCS teachers of science who beta tested a new, durable, high-powered microscope, called a "Foldscope" that fits in one's pocket and costs under $1.00. Developed for poor countries, it is now also becoming available for backers of a Kickstarter campaign and, I hope eventually, to anyone. It allows people who have never looked under a microscope to carry one with them and to explore the microcosmos at will.
David J. Rosen
djrosen123@gmail.com
Yes, David. That is the technology that I would love to see in/on drones! What if we could approach nature close up, like bees on pollen, without having them fear the invasion of their privacy and, consequently, fly away? I want one of those microscopes you mentioned and to share them with programs in this area. Thanks for the link. However, I would love to have real-time interaction with that world through drones. What think? Leecy
Drones do have the capacity to take and display real time images and movies. They are currently used in similar ways around the world. Here's a link to a book that is designed for educators using drones. This link has some lesson plan ideas from Scholastic. Think about our students who want to be EMTs. There is now the possiblity to use drones to send emergency medical equipment which will arrive before the responders. Leecy, they are even trying to develop a drone that is the size of a small bird or insect to do exactly what you are thinking about. If we want to teach our students to be ready for 21st century jobs, then we need to find a way to bring drone technology into the classroom.
Exciting! I love the idea of using drones to transport equipment ahead of human help. Leecy