Eighth grade students in Austin Keith’s Coding and Robotics classes at Central Middle School got a bird’s-eye view of what drones can do thanks to guest speakers from drone creative services company Pictures Over Stillwater on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The lesson gave students a firsthand look at how the drone technology and programming they have been studying in class translates to careers they may be interested in, like being a drone pilot or business owner.
“I know that connecting curriculum to real-world applications and careers is the best way to spark interest in course content,” said Keith, now in his fourth year of teaching the course at CMS.
After guest speakers Greg Schulz and Jim Sandahl filled in students on some of the dos and don’ts of drone safety outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as the weather data pilots need to take into account when flying drones, the class hurried outside to see some drones in action.
Students audibly gasped as Schulz walked outside with one of his drones flying close behind obeying his every vocal command. As he launched it high into the clear blue sky, students squinted their eyes to catch a glimpse of it whirring overhead. They then grouped around Schulz and craned their necks to look at the drone controller display, watching themselves as ant-sized figures on the screen – which Keith said was the students’ favorite part of the lesson.
The demonstration wrapped with everyone lining up for some fun class photos and videos. After heading back inside, students had the opportunity to ask any lingering questions about drones and drone piloting.
“Our guest speakers gave students a glance into the world of drone technology outside the classroom,” Keith said. “Students loved seeing how that technology they are using and learning in class can be applied to real-world problems and scenarios.”
Check out our carousel of pictures and video (without sound) from the drone! Courtesy of Pictures Over Stillwater.
