Elevating Education: A Comparative Look at Drones for Classroom Innovation

• November 06, 2023
• Posted By : Husnain
• 0comments

The integration of drones into educational settings offers a unique and engaging way to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts to life. Drones like the Tello Drone, Codrone Edu, Circuit Scribe Drone Kit, and Parrot Mambo are not just tools for exploration and fun; they are gateways to immersive learning experiences that can help students understand complex subjects through interactive play and experimentation. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between these drones and discuss the types of activities they can facilitate to enrich the educational experience for students.

 Tello Drone:

The Tello Drone, powered by DJI technology, is a compact and user-friendly quadcopter that is perfect for introducing students to the basics of aerodynamics and coding. With an onboard camera, Tello allows students to experience flights from a first-person view, making it an excellent tool for teaching photography, videography, and even basic data analysis through image capture.

Activities:

• Programming flight patterns using Scratch, a block-based visual programming language, to teach coding logic and problem-solving.
• Capturing aerial footage for media projects or environmental studies.
• Exploring physics concepts like lift, thrust, drag, and gravity through hands-on flight experiments.
  
  

Codrone Edu:

Codrone Edu is specifically designed for educational purposes, with a focus on coding and robotics. It is a programmable drone that can be controlled using Python or Blockly, making it suitable for a wide range of age groups and skill levels.

Activities:

• Advanced coding challenges that require students to program specific maneuvers or responses to sensor inputs.
• Robotics clubs or competitions where students can showcase their programming skills in obstacle courses or tasks.
• Integrating math lessons by calculating flight paths, angles, and distances.
  
  

Circuit Scribe Drone Kit:

The Circuit Scribe Drone Kit is a unique offering that combines the fun of flying with the educational value of building electronics. Students can actually draw their own circuits with conductive ink pens to create custom drone designs.

Activities:

• Learning about electrical circuits and components by building the drone from scratch.
• Designing creative drone skins with conductive ink and testing their functionality.
• Incorporating art and design into STEM learning by allowing students to create aesthetically pleasing circuit layouts that are also functional.

Parrot Mambo:

The Parrot Mambo is a versatile and robust mini-drone that comes with a variety of accessories, such as a grabber and a cannon, which can be used to perform specific tasks and missions.

Activities:

• Demonstrating principles of physics and mathematics by calculating payload drops or by using the grabber for simple pick-and-place tasks.
• Encouraging teamwork and problem-solving through group challenges that involve the Mambo's accessories.
• Introducing basic principles of aerodynamics and flight control by analyzing the effects of weight and balance on the drone's performance.

Conclusion:

Each of these drones offers a different set of features and learning opportunities, making them versatile tools in the classroom. The Tello Drone is excellent for beginners and those interested in visual programming and photography. CoDrone Edu is ideal for a more in-depth coding experience. The Circuit Scribe Drone Kit stands out for those interested in the intersection of electronics and creativity, while the Parrot Mambo is perfect for hands-on physics and engineering challenges.

When choosing a drone for educational purposes, consider the age and skill level of your students, the learning objectives you wish to achieve, and the resources available at your school. No matter which drone you select, the key is to provide students with a platform for exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Drones are not just about flying; they're about soaring to new heights in education.

If you are looking to start a program at your school or organization and don't know where to start let us help you. Contact via email steam@focusingonme.org or give us a call 229-349-3882