Benefits of Using Drones in K-12 Education: Developing Future-Ready Skills Through Hands-On Learning

By Davis Turner

Real-World Applications of STEM Concepts with Drones

Drones are becoming increasingly popular and offer numerous applications ranging from aerial photography to package delivery. However, they are also an excellent tool for K-12 education, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students to learn STEM concepts. In this blog, we'll explore why drones are essential for students to learn and how they can help develop future readiness skills. 

Using drone technology in education allows students to engage in experiential learning that helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can learn how to code, program, and build drones, while also learning physics, geometry, and trigonometry. Drones can also help students understand real-world applications of STEM concepts, such as precision agriculture and engineering principles used in search and rescue missions and disaster relief efforts. 

Closing the Opportunity Gap in STEM Education with Drones

Drones offer a more engaging and interactive learning experience for students, thus increasing their interest in STEM subjects. This is especially important for underrepresented groups in STEM, such as girls and minorities. Additionally, drone education aligns with the skills needed in the 21st-century workforce, such as critical thinking, creativity, and complex problem-solving. 

Using drones in education can also have a positive impact on the community. Students can use drones to conduct aerial surveys of local parks or neighborhoods, providing valuable information to city planners and community organizations. This type of community-based learning can help students develop a sense of civic engagement and social responsibility. 

To help K-12 educators integrate drone technology into their classrooms, MindSpark has designed the Drone Project. This program provides the latest drone technology, expertise, and safety focus to help educators successfully build a drone program at their schools. MindSpark's Drone Project uses project-based learning (PBL) to create the perfect technology-focused professional development experience. 

Contact us for more information on drone learning experiences!