Drones STEM Education Curriculum

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Students explore flight fundamentals by investigating "What can fly?", "How do things fly?", and "What is a drone and what can it do?"

Across 15+ lessons, learners build early STEM habits through guided play, observation, and simple problem-solving, connecting forces of flight to real-world drone uses in age-appropriate activities.

Technology and gear used:

Students use Sparrow drones in structured, hands-on sessions, as well as Scratch Jr. for simulated flight and an introduction to coding basics.

A classroom with open flight space is required; activities are designed for classroom-ready deployment with materials aligned to early elementary learners and a 15-lesson sequence documented in the official program.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Students learn safe flight operations in both manual and autonomous scenarios while expanding block-coding skills to direct drones through purpose-driven tasks.

Over 15+ lessons, learners connect core flight concepts with coding logic to plan, test, and iterate missions that demonstrate how drones accomplish real work.

Technology and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access and the Tello drone, DroneBlocks application, and the Tello application for coding and control.

A classroom with open flight space and hardware is required for production. Our curriculum is compatible with the Tello drone, DroneBlocks application, and the Tello application for coding and control.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Students learn safe flight operations in both manual and autonomous scenarios while expanding block-coding skills to direct drones through purpose-driven tasks.

Over 15+ lessons, learners connect core flight concepts with coding logic to plan, test, and iterate missions that demonstrate how drones accomplish real work.

Technology
and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access and the NextWaveSTEM Drone Simulator browser-based application with block coding.

No hardware is required, providing a fully virtual alternative for classroom deployment without physical drone equipment.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Learners examine how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles function and why they are used in real contexts, then apply algebraic thinking and programmatic logic to plan and execute missions.

The 15+ lesson pathway emphasizes controlled navigation, autonomous routines, and purposeful task completion grounded in real-world drone use cases.

Technology
and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access and the NextWaveSTEM Drone Simulator browser-based application with block coding.

No hardware is required, providing a fully virtual alternative for classroom deployment without physical drone equipment.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

High school students integrate algebraic reasoning and programming to analyze how drones work and solve practical problems with flight algorithms. In 15 lessons, they plan, code, and refine mission logic, evaluating performance and iterating solutions that align with authentic applications of drone technology. T

he course uses both block and Python (text) coding, supporting rigorous, hands-on practice with autonomous flight routines.

Technology
and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access and the Tello drone, DroneBlocks application, and the Tello application for coding and control.

A classroom with open flight space and hardware is required for production. At least one Windows or Mac device per classroom is required for Python-based activities. Our curriculum is compatible with the Tello drone, DroneBlocks application, and the Tello application for coding and control.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

High school students integrate algebraic reasoning and programming to analyze how drones work and solve practical problems with flight algorithms. In 15+ lessons, they plan, code, and refine mission logic, evaluating performance and iterating solutions for drone technology.

The course uses both block and Python (text) coding, supporting rigorous, hands-on practice with autonomous flight routines.

Technology
and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access and the NextWaveSTEM Drone Simulator browser-based application with block coding.

At least one Windows or Mac device per classroom is required for Python-based activities. No hardware is required, providing a fully virtual alternative for classroom deployment without physical drone equipment.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

This certification-prep course equips students with the knowledge to take and pass the FAA Part 107 exam. Learners cover the aviation industry, FAA regulations, airspace classification, map reading, pre-flight procedures, flight operations, and more, and apply learning through structured activities that reinforce decision-making and safety.

The course concentrates on the official knowledge domains and embeds applied learning experiences to strengthen readiness for the exam and responsible UAS operations.

Technology
and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access to access course materials and study resources.

No hardware is required for this certification-prep course, enabling flexible, classroom-friendly deployment.

This course is a preparation for the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification; it does not include the test fees/costs.

Why should we learn and teach with drones? Although drones are oftentimes viewed as either toys or tools for professionals, their potential for education cannot be understated. Lessons in drones offer learning opportunities in STEM subjects such as physics, coding, maths and more.

Learn how to use drones in the classroom.

See the article “Classroom to Flight Courses | Teaching Drones Without an Aviation Background”

Our All-In-One Drone STEM Curriculum, equipment and professional development make it easy for you to excite and inspire students through hands-on STEM experiences.

Perfect for schools needing:
- STEM equipment & curriculum
- Professional development

Our NWS-certified instructors teach in-person or virtual, during or after school. We also offer co-teaching models where our instructors can mentor teachers or teach alongside any of our eleven courses.

Perfect for schools needing:
- Additional resources for technology or STEM
- After-school or enrichment classes