UAV (Drone) Technology for Kids ~ Learning Activities, Videos, and a Dialogue

Recently, as I did some research for this puzzle, I learned a lot about unmanned aerial vehicles, (drones). Right away, I saw the potential for critical and creative thinking.

Drones are assisting in all kinds of endeavors, some of which might surprise you, such as monitoring coastlines for sharks and delivering medicines to remote areas. Drones can often perform tasks at a reduced cost and with less risk to companies and individuals. However, their use presents challenges that are unique to this kind of technology. Across the globe, government agencies continue to seek ways to address concerns through legislation.

If you’d like to get students thinking and engaged with UAV technology, here are some of my ideas:

SOCRATIC DIALOGUE

Like the dialogue topics I’ve shared HERE, UAV technology makes a great topic for discussion. You could have a simple conversation using the questions below, by starting with what students already know, have heard, or can imagine on their own.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS DRONES MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO PEOPLE and/or BUSINESSES?

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE “BIRD’S EYE” VIEWS THAT A DRONE CAN PROVIDE?

WHAT ARE SOME POTENTIAL PROBLEMS or RISKS WITH USING DRONES?

Use THIS LIST to help you guide students in such a discussion. It includes the most recent developments in UAV technology. As students come up with problems, you might ask them if they can imagine how specific problems could be avoided or solved. You might even have students discuss the topic using the THINKING HATS, with questions like these:

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL ABOUT MORE DRONES FLYING AROUND? (RED HAT)

WHAT IDEAS MIGHT HELP SOLVE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS? (GREEN HAT)

VIDEO LESSONS

I would follow the dialogue with these videos. This news story out of Canada is nearly a decade old, but it brings up some of the benefits and challenges that might come up in student conversation. The development of an air traffic control system for drones is also mentioned.

READ THIS before showing the video below. This is an engaging field trip to Rwanda, Africa, where a medical supply delivery system has been operating for several years. Robotic aircraft quickly deliver blood and other critical medical supplies to areas all over the country. I was unable to create excerpts for you (disabled by video creator), so here are my recommendations: I would show the first 12 or 13 minutes of the video. Note: the amazing young man who helped test and now runs this medical supply delivery was orphaned during the Rwandan genocide and there is a brief mention of this. You may want to be prepared to answer questions about it. You may be comfortable showing the video in its entirety, but definitely preview it.

The NASA video below explains the development of UTM, the drone air traffic control system mentioned in the news story above. There are so many connections- the IMPACT of new technologies, the creation of a new SYSTEM, and all that must be considered, and the UNANSWERED QUESTIONS that come to mind when working with new ideas and proposals.

I would show the 4-minute introduction and then pause the video to discuss thoughts, ideas, questions, and predictions. Ask students, “How is controlling drone traffic similar and unlike controlling airplane traffic?" Preview the remainder of the video to determine excerpts you could use to answer questions and share the basics of the system OR just watch it yourself and take some notes!

DESIGNING DRONES – Try Engineering

This is a simple design activity, one I’ve used in teaching biomimicry (whirly birds). Students use paper, paper clips, and index cards to design rotors, and test each one by dropping them from a height of at least 10 feet. The goal is to have the slowest descent. A student worksheet and lesson plan are freely shared.

LEARNING ABOUT THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS

Some drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras which detect heat. This makes them useful for many things, especially wildlife management and search-and-rescue missions (see puzzle featured at the top of this post).

You can use the PBS Learning Resources found HERE to introduce infrared radiation; the video below explains more about thermal imaging cameras.

DRONE LEGENDS TURNKEY CURRICULUM

If you’re interested in a curriculum that incorporates simulations of actual drone use around the world through student missions, check out this website. Todd Watne, of Drone Legends, says it “helps bridge STEM with real-world problem solving, fun and exciting technology, collaboration and peer-led instruction.” Students in K-12 can explore the rapidly expanding industry of drones and the many new careers on the horizon. Below is a sample DRONE MISSION!

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