As a teacher who is passionate about STEM-related curriculum, I feel privileged to work with the Idaho Drone League, (iDRONE) to bring drones to my classroom! This is my first year working with the Idaho STEM Action Center externship program and so-far, it has been one of the best summer-work opportunities I have experienced. I have been able to rub shoulders with education professionals who have vast amounts of experience of STEM related curriculum under their belts which has allowed for connections with experts that I otherwise would not have been exposed to.

Through this program I have been allowed to develop a drone curriculum for grades 6-8. The content includes hands-on experience in building, coding and flying drones. It also teaches drone safety, and laws. Students will learn about the different applications of drones in the workforce, and will be exposed to potential drone use in current and future careers. The culminating project will require students to solve a real-world problem using drones.

The majority of my students have not been exposed to the use of drones. Their understanding of drones is that they do not apply to situations found in rural communities, when in fact, rural communities are where they may apply the most!

iDRONE gifted me this summer work opportunity to develop a curriculum rich in content that is relatable to the rural setting of these students. Agriculture and ranching are perfect settings to demonstrate the usefulness of drones. Because of this opportunity to develop a curriculum, students will now be educated about the use of drones in the communities they are most familiar with, which can then be relatable and meaningful to them.

Thank you Idaho Drone League for this amazing opportunity. I hope to stay connected and work with you again in the future!