Unmanned aircraft systems or drones have pushed the limits for humanity. What used to be tedious, physical, and dangerous work for humans, such as collecting information about plants and animals in remote places or carrying relief goods to disaster-stricken areas, drones can easily fill with remotely operated flights. With the various roles drones have played, DroneBlocks wanted the next generation of students to be engaged by integrating drone science in STEM education.
DroneBlocks is the first of its kind in the industry to offer a practical education outline for K-12 STEM students. The company encourages students to learn about drone technology, ensuring that they too can fully utilize or further improve its uses in the future. Led by David Erath and Dennis Baldwin, DroneBlocks is truly leaving a positive impact among students across the country. “We currently own this niche and are the go-to solution for schools looking to engage students in computer science with drones,” said David.
DroneBlocks is carefully drafted to allow students of all ages to learn Blockly, Python, and JavaScript by programming autonomous drone missions in the classroom. By doing so, the company leads them to realize the potential that drones may play in their chosen industries. Besides equipping students, it also ensures that educators are provided with all the necessary tools for them to launch the drone program in their classes, including drones, an inclusive curriculum, software, and professional development.
Additionally, DroneBlocks recently gained another recognition as it became an accredited Educational Experience by STEM.org, the longest continually-operating, privately held STEM education research and credentialing organization in the United States. The organization has played a crucial role in assisting key initiatives that have been critical to the overall growth and proliferation of the strand since 2001, including its efforts for the 2005 STEM Congressional Caucus.
Furthermore, DroneBlocks has been hailed as an Institutional Partner of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), whose mission is to “empower, engage, and advocate for K-12 CS teachers worldwide.” CSTA’s standards are fully aligned with DroneBlocks’ courses, ensuring the students get the appropriate approach for drone education. “While we also provide exclusive Universal Skills and Educational Standards, we are strong advocates of the STA K-12 Computer Science Standards core set of learning objectives,” shared David.
CSTA standards are drafted by seasoned educators, administrators, and policymakers who have always been dedicated to ensuring that students get the education they need, from introducing the fundamental concepts of computer science to elementary school students to increasing computer science courses’ availability to underrepresented groups. The accreditation further empowers DroneBlocks to put the interests of the educators and the students above anything else.
While DroneBlocks is offered through exclusive memberships, it also comes with many perks. The system is designed to provide a full curriculum to educators using Tello or Tello EDU drones and allows them to use the software with unlimited students. The current library has over 100 activities, but David and his team are continually adding new lessons regularly. “Members will also be able to access DroneBlocks Tello Stimulator giving you the ability to explore DroneBlocks coding without a drone or in a virtual learning environment,” added David.
Learn more about DroneBlocks on its website.