It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Drone!

     Drones are fun flying objects that are small but mighty and have become a uniquely fun addition to our classrooms in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) since 2018. Operating a drone is not only a skill, but it supports students by providing them with access to diverse learning opportunities that enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

     “Integrating drones into school instruction is crucial because it provides hands-on learning experiences that make STEM education more engaging and practical. Students gain future-ready skills such as coding, data analysis, and technology proficiency, which are essential in today’s job market,” says K-5 Science Director Kristin Luthi. “Drones also foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through real-world applications. Additionally, they encourage teamwork and communication, preparing students for diverse career paths.”

     Hopkins Elementary School took flight this semester by hosting a drone demonstration for their school community. Hopkins Elementary operates a Robot Drone League team, that provides specific drones and competition opportunities to their students. To showcase their ability to soar, students showed parents and peers how to operate their drones to complete missions. Additionally, students also demonstrated their rover driving and block coding capabilities.

     The Robot Drone League, which joined forces with Hopkins for this opportunity, presented the students with a showcase award at the end of the demonstration. Hopkins’ drone team will take their talents to Tennessee on January 25 to compete against other students.

     “Using drones allows students to think outside the box, the solutions don’t just present themselves on an answer sheet. Our students must problem solve and use block coding to determine how to move the drones about,” says Assistant Principal Yerisson Cardenas. “Students also have the opportunity to learn about aerodynamics, flight principles, and the importance of certain calculations. Although many of those principles are presented at an elementary level, our students are challenged in ways traditional classrooms aren’t able to.” Beyond the four walls of a classroom, drone usage is alive and flourishing in various career fields. Drones are being used to improve fields like real estate, construction, and agriculture. They help with measurements, inspections, marketing, and beyond.

     Utilizing drones is just one of the many ways that GCPS teachers are providing access to diverse learning opportunities for each and every student. Visit the district’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education page to discover more about STEM education.