In the fast evolving landscape of educational technology, drones have appeared as a powerful tool for enhancing learning experiences and preparing students for future careers.

As experts who have trained over 40,000 individuals in drone operation and collaborated with dozens of schools to integrate this technology into their curriculum, we’ve gained valuable insights into the most effective strategies for implementing drone programs in educational settings.

This article presents five essential tips for schools looking to incorporate drones into their educational programs, along with detailed explanations, examples, and considerations for each.

1. Start with Cheap Drones

When introducing students to drone technology, it’s crucial to begin with affordable models.

Just as you wouldn’t give a new driver a Ferrari for their first car, it is inadvisable to put expensive drones in the hands of inexperienced users.

There’s an inevitable learning curve, and students are likely to crash their drones while getting familiar with the controls.

We recommend starting with drones in the $30 to $50 range for first-time flyers.

Brands like Holy Stone offer excellent options in this category. These drones are typically small, which means they’re less likely to cause damage if crashed and won’t result in a significant financial loss if destroyed.

Many schools make the mistake of buying more expensive drones, giving them to students, and then facing issues when students crash all the drones. This often leads to schools abandoning their drone programs altogether due to budget constraints and inability to replace the damaged drones.

While these cheaper models may not last as long as more expensive ones, they serve as perfect learning tools for beginners. The small size of these drones means they won’t cause much damage if crashed into objects, and if a student somehow destroys one completely, it won’t have a large financial impact on the school.

2. Begin with Indoor Flying

Once you’ve acquired suitable beginner drones, it’s important to start flying them in controlled indoor environments.

This could be a gym, an empty cafeteria, or a spacious classroom.

Flying indoors offers several advantages for beginner drone pilots:

  • It allows for better control of the environment.
  • It eliminates the risk of losing the drone due to wind or flying too high.
  • It prevents the drone from getting stuck in trees or other outdoor obstacles.

Many people underestimate the impact of wind on drone flight. Even on a seemingly calm day, the wind can be much stronger at higher altitudes or above the tree line.

By starting indoors, students can focus on mastering the basics of drone control without worrying about external factors. This builds a solid foundation of skills that will serve them well when they eventually transition to outdoor flying.

3. Develop a Structured Curriculum

To maximize the educational value of drones, it’s important to integrate them into your existing curriculum rather than treating them as mere toys.

Many schools make the mistake of purchasing drones without a clear plan for their use, resulting in sporadic and unfocused activities.

Instead, create a structured plan that incorporates drone activities into various subjects.

For example:

  • In math class, use drones to visualize geometric shapes and calculate their area and perimeter.
  • In science classes, use drones to explore aerodynamics and the forces of lift, thrust, drag, and weight.

This approach not only enhances learning in multiple areas but also demonstrates the versatility of drone technology in real-world applications. By tying drone use to specific learning objectives, you ensure that these tools enhance education rather than serve as a distraction.

4. Utilize Drones for Career Readiness

Drones offer an excellent opportunity to prepare students for future careers.

In many states, the Part 107 certification – the commercial drone license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – is recognized as a college and career readiness credential for high school students.

Consider implementing a program that prepares upperclassmen (aged 16 and above) for the Part 107 exam.

This approach offers several benefits:

  • It introduces students to a broad range of careers that utilize drone technology.
  • Schools may be eligible for additional funding or reimbursement from state programs for college and career readiness initiatives.
  • Students gain a valuable credential that can give them a head start in various industries.

By focusing on the Part 107 certification, schools can transform their drone program from a novelty into a serious tool for career preparation.

5. Understand Legal Requirements

As you expand your drone program, it’s crucial to be aware of the legal and regulatory requirements surrounding drone use.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • For non-hobby use of drones outdoors, operators typically need to have a Part 107 license.
  • If students are flying drones outside for fun and learning purposes, they don’t need a Part 107 license.
  • However, if a teacher is conducting a class outdoors and operating a drone, the FAA may consider this non-hobbyist use, requiring the teacher to hold a Part 107 license.
  • When flying indoors, neither students nor teachers need a Part 107 license, as indoor spaces are not considered part of the national airspace.

By understanding these regulations, schools can ensure they’re operating their drone programs legally and responsibly.

Implementing a drone program in your school can be an exciting and valuable endeavor.

By starting with affordable drones, focusing on indoor flying, developing a structured curriculum, preparing students for drone-related careers, and understanding the legal landscape, schools can create a successful and enriching drone education program.

As drone technology continues to evolve and find new applications across various industries, providing students with this hands-on experience will undoubtedly give them a competitive edge in their future academic and professional pursuits.

For educators and administrators looking to incorporate drones into their schools, we offer a comprehensive high school drone curriculum.

This resource can help you structure your drone program effectively and ensure students get the most out of this exciting technology. You can find our high school drone curriculum here and book a demo to learn more about how to effectively integrate drones into your school’s programs.

If you want to hear from a real teacher about his experience integrating drones in a classroom, be sure to watch this episode of our STEM Heroes podcast featuring Keith Pritchett. 

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Drone Launch Academy has helped over 40,000 drone pilots learn how to fly drones, pass the Part 107 Exam, and learn the skills they need to start making money with drones.

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