Cart 0
 

Drones STEM Education Curriculum

 

Engage, excite, and inspire students
through hands-on Drone experiences.

 
Girl with Drone_African AmericanCMYK_300.jpg

Do you wish to prepare your students for the future job market, where drone technology will be integral in industries like engineering, filmmaking, and environmental science? NextWaveSTEM can assist you with our engaging drone courses that make learning more interactive and fun while teaching them how to design, code, and operate these advanced devices. Our curriculum includes drone classroom kits with the Tello Drone, the TelloEDU app, and the Droneblocks app with detailed lesson plans. We also offer professional development training to empower your teaching staff. Scroll down and learn how we integrate drone learning with STEM education. 

 What are Drones?

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle, also known as a UAV, controlled by humans or remote programming. They come in all shapes and sizes. Ranging from the size of your hand to the size of a plane. There are many practical applications for drones like photography, rescue, and even local delivery. You might see a drone delivering packages to your door sooner than you think.

Download Our “Discovery of Drones” Course Guide

Who Can Learn With Drones?

At NextWaveSTEM®, we offer drone courses for kids and professional development for teachers.

Grades K-2

Introduction to Drones:
Take Flight!

Early learners answer the questions, “What are things that can fly?”, “How do things fly?” and “What is a drone, and what can it do?” This course explores drones and programming through hands-on play.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements:

Charging device with USB-A port for recharging internal battery

Grades 3-5

Discovery of Drones:
Unmanned Aviation

Students learn to operate drones safely in manual and autonomous flight scenarios and develop and expand block-coding skill sets to diversify the tasks that drones are able to accomplish.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements:

Tello Drone and TelloEDU app

Grades 6-8

Exploration of Drones:
Coding with Tello

Students explore and apply how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) are used and function and will develop an understanding of how drones function and the real-world purposes for which they are used.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements:

Tello Drone and TelloEDU app

Grades 9-12

Creation and Evaluation of Drones:
Coding with Tello

In this STEM course designed for 9-12th graders, students will integrate algebraic thinking and programmatic knowledge and use programming skills to navigate the Tello Drone using the Droneblocks app.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements:

Tello Drone and Droneblocks app

 

Grades 9-12

FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification

A course that prepares students with all of the content knowledge they need to take and pass the FAA Part 107 exam, ranging in topics from the aviation industry, FAA regulations, airspace classification, map reading, pre-flight procedures, flight operations, and more. What’s the X-Factor? Students get to apply their knowledge through hands-on drone activities!

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements:

No hardware required

 

Why is Drones Learning a Great Opportunity For Your Children?

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.

Teaches the principles of flight, aerodynamics, and drone operation

One of the biggest perks of drone education is that it teaches the core principles of flight, aerodynamics, and drone operation engagingly. Instead of reading about physics in textbooks, students see these concepts come to life as they pilot drones and experiment with how forces, like lift, thrust, drag, and gravity, affect movement. This hands-on approach helps students retain information more effectively.

Develops programming, coding, and automation skills

In addition to understanding flight mechanics, students also gain valuable experience in coding and automation. They learn how to control drones, execute commands, and even automate flight patterns through simple programming tasks. This strengthens their logical thinking and problem-solving skills and gives them a solid foundation in coding, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s tech-driven world.

Enhances understanding of GPS, mapping technologies, and real-world applications

Drones are widely used in fields like mapping, surveying, and photography, and students who learn about GPS and navigation technology will better understand how drones contribute to real-world industries. Whether it’s environmental research, disaster relief, or construction planning, drones are crucial in gathering data and improving efficiency.

Provides hands-on experience with robotics, electronics, and engineering

Our drone courses expose students to robotics, electronics, and engineering. They gain hands-on experience assembling and troubleshooting drone components, which deepens their understanding of technology and enhances their mechanical skills.

Builds awareness of ethical drone usage, safety regulations, and industry standards

With technology evolving rapidly, understanding drones' ethical and safety aspects is just as important as knowing how to fly them. Our courses teach students about FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations, Part 107 certification, airspace classifications, and safety guidelines to ensure responsible drone operation. Discussions on privacy, data security, and ethical drone use prepare them for real-world applications where compliance and ethical considerations are critical.

Prepares students for future careers in drone technology, innovation, and STEM fields

Drone education prepares students for future careers in technology, aviation, engineering, and beyond. As industries increasingly rely on drone technology, students with these skills will have a competitive edge in careers like aerial surveying, geospatial engineering, AI-driven robotics, and commercial drone operations. 

So, why wait? Connect with us today to introduce drone courses in your school studies. Write to us at Hello@NextWaveSTEM.com for more information. 

 How Can I Bring Drones to My School?

Anyone can teach with Drones! With all NextWaveSTEM® courses, Curriculum & LMS Access, STEM Drone Kits, and Student Connection Materials are included. The only thing left to decide is whether you want to teach the course or you want a NextWaveSTEM® certified mentor to teach.

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

 FAQs

  • Kids will learn about drone operation, coding skills, safety protocols, and the real-world applications of drones. Courses cover topics from basic flight concepts to advanced programming, hands-on activities, and FAA regulations for aspiring drone pilots.

  • The best age for kids to learn about drones varies by program but generally begins around age 5-6. Early learners (grades K-2) can engage with foundational concepts through hands-on play, while more structured coding and flight instruction are suitable for ages 8-13 (grades 3-8). Older students (grades 9-12) can be enrolled in advanced topics, including FAA certifications and programming.

  • NextWaveSTEM drones classroom kit incorporates Tello Drones in our programs. These drones require a charging device with a USB-A port for recharging and utilize the TelloEDU app for operational guidance and programming tasks, making them accessible for various grade levels.

  • Yes, NextWaveSTEM programs are designed to align with both state and national STEM standards, ensuring that students develop essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while meeting educational requirements across various curricula.

  • Yes, the components in the drone kit are designed with safety in mind, featuring lightweight materials and protective casings. Additionally, drones like the Tello are equipped with safety features such as auto-land and propeller guards, making them suitable for youth use.