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STEM & STEAM

Drones Take Off in Education

The use of this technology captivates students while allowing them to learn abstract concepts in off-the-ground ways.

Unstaffed flying objects, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted aircraft. These are all alternative names for drones. According to two educators who have introduced them in the classroom, no matter what you call them, these small flying vehicles can be a useful response to drooping attendance, high discipline counts and low student satisfaction. Best, whether the subject is math, science, English, history, art or PE, there are drone lessons that can help bring abstract concepts to life for students.

As a K-8 math supervisor in Jersey City Public Schools, Kimberly Crowley wanted to figure out how to use drones to make math engaging for her students. Armed with a conviction that she could succeed, she got the backing of an associate superintendent who found funding to kick off the program for her to do a research project. Crowley held an information meeting and invited all of the schools in the district to send teachers who might be interested. This wasn't going to be a mandated program, she insisted. She shared her idea with the teachers in a 30-minute presentation and asked for volunteers. Out of 50 people in attendance, while a few "rolled eyes," another 24 emailed her as soon as she was done talking. They became her initial cohort.

All had committed to attending three days of professional development over the course of about three months (a day a month). The district purchased a single drone for each of the 14 schools, while she scrambled to find the money for some additional drones. And that was all it took, said Crowley. Now, out of the group she initially started with, all continue with their drone usage and purchase new drones each year to continue the lessons.

As a shift to more student-oriented elective classes, Long Cane Middle School Principal Chip Giles' district pursued an " Innovation Fund Tiny Grant" through a program run by the Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement. The proposal: "We were going to offer an entire course on drone technology." Most schools, he pointed out, "offer a unit, not a whole course." That grant, almost $9,000, purchased "a whole bunch of drones" and the materials to build a drone racing course.

With the help of Teacher Chris McCalla (@HeyMrMcCalla), the school got its drone program off the ground. "He's a hobbyist, and he drives race cars. He was exactly the right guy to do this. The kids really love him, and he has a lot of energy," said Giles, adding, "You need somebody on faculty who is very enthusiastic, likes to tinker and can fix broken drones, because we break them just about every day."

Jersey City Public Schools students fly drones indoors.

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Drones Take Off in Education -- THE Journal

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STEM & STEAM The use of this technology captivates students while allowing them to learn abstract concepts in off-the-ground ways. Unstaffed flying objects, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted aircraft. These are all alternative names for drones.

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Drones have become one of the hottest new pieces of technology. Whether you use your drone for photography, racing, or just for fun, a drone can be a fun toy. They are also serious pieces of equipment, however, so not all drones should be in the hands of children.

Drones that are made for kids have added safety features, are easy to fly, and often have fun features. If your child wants a quadcopter, there are plenty of safe and affordable options. Be sure to consider your child's age when buying a kids drone and teach them the proper safety tips and techniques so that they can enjoy their drone, accident free!

We've compiled the best drones for children so that you can find the perfect toy drone for your child. These drones are simple to fly, compact, safe, and durable, so they can withstand some practice flights. Check out these kids quadcopters for a new toy, Christmas gift, birthday present, or an exciting surprise for your child!

These are the Best Drones for Kids:

Kids Drone Reviews

Altair 818 Hornet Beginner Drone

The Altair 818 Hornet was made with kids in mind: it has one-button take off and landing, so it is easy to begin and end your flights. This drone comes with three controller skill settings, so you can start on the easiest setting and work your way up, and it is safe for indoor use.

Potensic A20 Mini Drone

The Potensic A20 Mini Drone has round propeller guards to prevent injury to your child as well as damage to the drone, and an emergency stop button to land safely. It is less than $50, safe indoors and outdoors, and it's compact and lightweight.

Holy Stone F181C RC Quadcopter Drone

The Holy Stone F181C RC Quadcopter Drone is another kid safe drone that is easy to use and inexpensive enough for children to practice with. It has a one-key return button and headless security system to prevent losing the drone and keep beginners at ease, but it also has a high quality camera.
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Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drone

The Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drone is perfect for younger children, as young as age 4 or 5. It is not remote control operated - it uses motion sensors, so kids can use their hands to direct it, maker it safer for kids to use and less likely to crash into objects.

Spacekey FPV WiFi Drone

The Spacekey FPV WiFi Drone comes with a 720p, 30fps HD camera with a 120-degree wide angle lens that can capture panoramic views via aerial photography. It's made of durable plastic, and it's safe to fly indoors and outside. There are three speed modes, so beginners can start slow.

This mini quadcopter is made for kids, so it's easy to fly and has proper safety features. It is safe to use indoors and outdoors, and the blades are totally protected so it won't hurt anyone if it touches them. It also features fun LED lights.

This option is great for kids, as it's super safe and simple to fly with three speed settings for beginners, intermediates, and experts. Other safety features include altitude control, headless mode, one-key take off and landing, as well as one-key return that brings the drone back to the location of the remote.

Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC Helicopter Drone

This drone is easy to use and great for training, although kids under 14 years should be supervised. A headless flight system makes this drone easy to fly, and a 6-axis gyro stabilization system improves balance for excellent recovery after stunts or sudden movements.
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Altair AA108 Camera Drone

The Altair AA1808 Camera Drone is one of the best picks out there for someone on a budget, so it makes a great starter drone. It's easy to learn to fly, with three flight modes for beginners, mid-level, and advanced pilots, plus other features that make learning how to fly it simple, like headless mode, altitude hold, and one-button take off and landing.

Syma X5C Explorers Quadcopter

The Syma X5C Explorers Quadcopter is fitted with an HD camera, making it one of the few toy drones with a camera of this quality at such a low price point. Between the low price and how well it works as a practice drone, the Syma X5C makes a great drone for someone just learning how to fly.

AirHogs Star Wars Millennium Falcon Quad

The AirHogs Star Wars Millennium Falcon Drone is a small replica of Han Solo's famous ship, complete with authentic sound effects and LED lights to mimic the real ship. It uses four concealed rotors to fly just like the original Millennium Falcon, and the guarded rotors also make it safer for kids.

AirHogs Star Trek USS Enterprise Drone

Another great toy drone from AirHogs, this one is for anyone who prefers Star Trek. When it flies, the AirHogs Star Trek USS Enterprise Drone has LED lights and 10 authentic Star Trek sounds, including a phaser sound effect. Super fans are sure to be impressed by the level of detail on this drone.

Tips on Finding a Good Drone for Your Children

Choose one of the these drones from our list, or look for the drone with the right qualities and safety features for your child. Is your child ready for a drone? Consider their safety first and go over the rules of flying before giving them a kids drone!

Last update on 2020-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Best Drones for Kids: Top 12 Children's Drones of 2020

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Drones have become one of the hottest new pieces of technology. Whether you use your drone for photography, racing, or just for fun, a drone can be a fun toy. They are also serious pieces of equipment, however, so not all drones should be in the hands of children.