Drones are quickly becoming a staple in our world. From Search and Rescue to TV and Movies, and even competitive racing, drones are everywhere. When students complete our learning outcomes they will possess the basic skills of a drone pilot and be able to become certified should they choose to do so. In our class, they will learn to care for (Engineering), and fly an aerial drone both manually, and with a repeatable Swift code (Technology) so they can capture the same video footage several times. They will learn to use the obstacles nature throws at them to their advantage and to be ethical users of the technology. Finally, they will learn about video composition and work to make dramatic videos (Art) using the given technology.

Our goal is to purchase two Parrot Mambo Drones and two Parrot Bebop 2 Drones, or equivalent models. We have chosen these models because they are robust drones that will be able to stand up to repeated use by students who are learning their skills. The Mambo will allow the students to continue their work with Swift Coding (the programing language used by Apple and taught in their programming class) while the Bebop will allow for longer manual flights and greater filming capabilities. These will allow our students to manually fly the drone, or code in a program that can be repeated.

Cost:

Parrot Mambo - $200 for two.

Parrot Bebop 2 - $800 for two.

Because this is a new class for us, we hope to instruct 15 - 17 students in our first class during the final six weeks of the school year. Assuming this first trial run is a success we plan on offering this class during two other six week sessions next year with two class times each. By the end of the next school year, we hope to have taught seventy-five students or nearly 40% of our population.

The Merlo Technology and Innovation Team realized that our students will have to live and work in a very high tech environment. Our goal is to encourage classroom innovation and to expose our students to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) fields through the use of technology. One of these enriched learning opportunities will be in the field of Aerial Photography/Video and the use of both flight and Swift coded drones.

Thank you for taking the time to read our request and we hope that you are able to assist us with our project.