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EIU - Rural School Initiative

Drones in the Classroom

November 16, 2023

Integrating Problem Solving and Computational thinking

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CREDIT to Illinois Learning Technology Center (LTC) for base information.

Adapted from their Drones in the Classroom program

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Outline for Today

  • Unbox and explore a Tello drone
  • Explore how drones are being used currently
  • Identify drone terminology
  • Examine the rules of flying
  • Explore the TRUST safety test
  • Learn to fly the Tello
  • Explore drones in the curriculum
  • Afternoon Flying
  • Explore different drone options
  • What is Computational Thinking
  • Coding and Logic
  • Drones – robots that fly (more fun too)
    • Flying Drones
    • Safety and Legal Issues
    • Coding to automate flight plan
  • Discussion - where do these fit into the curriculum?
  • Optional Next Steps

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Drone basic limits

Maximum Size 250 g over that requires FAA registration costing $5 for a sticker� 8.8 oz or half a pound

Maximum Height 400 ft equal to 40 stories

Restricted Airspace Airports, Hospitals, State/National Parks, Public Events � Schools unless it is a staff member and a classroom activity

Restricted Activities Spying and invasion of privacy

Indoors FAA's rules for drone operation do not apply to indoor flights

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Classroom Curriculum

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Apps to Download

    • Tello App
      • Tello App - iOS
      • Tello App - Android (be sure to go to the DJI site linked here as it will take you to the newest version of the app.)
    • Drone Blocks
    • Aloft Air Control

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What is a drone?

UAV - unmanned aerial vehicle

UAS - unmanned aircraft system

An unmanned aircraft system is an unmanned aircraft and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aircraft. An unmanned aircraft is a component of a UAS. It is defined by statute as an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

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Fun and example of precision possible

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Drone Terminology

  • UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
  • UAS – Unmanned Aerial System
  • Quadcopter – Aircraft that uses four motors and four propellers
  • PIC – Pilot In Charge* (recommend pilot in charge and spotter)
  • Transmitter (TX) -- A hand-held controller that sends a signal to the drone
  • Gimbal -- A platform that can pivot on a single axis; creates a balanced, smooth movement for the camera during flight
  • Autonomous Flight -- Aircraft is self-directed and programmed to fly independently, not physically or manually controlled
  • First Person View (FPV) -- Also known as remote-person view (RPV), or simply video piloting
  • Manual Flight – Transmitter is used by PIC and aircraft is kept in line of sight

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How do drones fly?

Rotation around the front-to-back axis is called roll. – Right stick left or right

Rotation around the side-to-side axis is called pitch. – Right stick forward or backward

Rotation around the vertical axis is called yaw. – Left stick left or right

Throttle controls lift. – Left stick up and down

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Flying the Tello

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Tello Flight Modes

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Rules for Flying

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Drone Limits for small devices and education

To fly a drone as a commercial pilot in the state of Illinois you are required to follow the requirements of the FAA's Part 107 Small UAS Rule, which includes passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.

Drones are prohibited from flying less than 350 feet above the ground and capturing images of public schools during school hours. They are also restricted from operating in the airspace overlaying the civic center complex or a city park or beach during a scheduled special event.

Is it legal to use a drone to spy on people?

Criminal Code Section 934.50: Drones may not be used for surveillance in violation of another party's reasonable expectation of privacy; this includes law enforcement. However, police may use drones with a valid search warrant.

Education Exception - https://www.faa.gov/uas/educational_users

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What are the safety guidelines for UAS recreational users?

  • Follow community-based safety guidelines, as developed by organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).
  • Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
  • Drones cannot fly faster than 100 mph
  • Keep your sUAS in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed.
  • Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
  • Drones cannot be flown at night without appropriate lights

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Recreational Safety 2

  • Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles
  • Use Air Control to confirm you can fly within range of an airport or heliport. (Read about best practices here)
  • Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
  • Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Full set of FAA Operating Rules

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Recreational Safety 3

  • Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the sUAS.
  • Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.
  • Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
  • Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission (see AMA’s privacy policy).

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Illinois Specific Drone Laws

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TRUST

The Recreational UAS Safety Test

All recreational flyers must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of test passage (the TRUST completion certificate) to the FAA or law enforcement upon request. The FAA's 2018 Reauthorization Bill (PDF) introduced new requirements for recreational pilots (see P.L. 115-254, Section 349 (PDF) – exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft).

Take the test through the AMA

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Let’s Fly!

Get to know the Tello Talent

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Hands on with Drones

GPS

Aerodynamics

Sensors to manage stable flight

Communicate using WiFi for distance

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Commercial Uses of sUAS

Any commercial use in connection with a business requires a Part 107 license, including:

  • Selling photos or videos taken from a UAS
  • Using UAS to provide contract services, such as industrial equipment or factory inspection
  • Using UAS to provide professional services, such as security or telecommunications
  • Using UAS to monitor the progress of work your company is performing
  • Professional real estate or wedding photography
  • Professional cinematography for a film or television production
  • Providing contract services for mapping or land surveys

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Flying in Education

  • See FAA Rules
  • If flying outside, you technically must have your 107 license
  • If you operate the drones indoors, you do not need the licensing
  • Students do not need their 107 to fly outdoors as they would fall under recreational and educational use
  • Best practice:
    • Train/demonstrate indoors and be the observer outdoors

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Become an FAA-Certified 107 Drone Pilot by Passing the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Test

  • To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be:
    • At least 16 years old
    • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
    • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS
  • Review the full process to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Study for the Knowledge Test by reviewing the Test Prep materials provided by the FAA.
  • Schedule an appointment to take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (PDF).
  • The test is 2 hours long and consists of 60 multiple choice questions.
  • Once you've passed your test, complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)*

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Become an FAA-Certified 107 Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

Drone Pilot Ground School

Everything you need to pass the test. Our course covers all 120+ knowledge concepts across 70+ video-based lectures that the FAA requires drone pilots to learn in the UAS Airman Certification Standards

Bonus lessons with practical flight knowledge. Our flight proficiency lesson demonstrates flight sequences for the beginning sUAS operator. You also get a pre-flight checklist and guides on how to conduct airspace research and how to apply for airspace authorization and waivers.

Plus, bonus lessons on business operations. Learn from a drone lawyer and other industry professionals about how they approach important legal, marketing, insurance and business considerations.

Use this link for $100 off Drone Pilot Ground School - STEM Teacher Discount

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Rules for Flying

- basic cert for teachers

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TRUST

The Recreational UAS Safety Test

All recreational flyers must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of test passage (the TRUST completion certificate) to the FAA or law enforcement upon request. The FAA's 2018 Reauthorization Bill (PDF) introduced new requirements for recreational pilots (see P.L. 115-254, Section 349 (PDF) – exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft).

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Education Guidelines

As of May 5, 2016, the use of unmanned aircraft systems by students in accredited education institutions as part of their coursework will be allowed under recreational guidelines for model aircraft, provided the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization

The interpretation also clarifies that UAS can be operated for demonstration purposes at community-sponsored events, provided that the aircraft operator does not receive any compensation, directly or indirectly, related to the operation of the aircraft.

Students can learn how to design, construct and operate small unmanned aircraft (less than 55 pounds) as a component of a variety of science, technology and aviation-related coursework or for other educational purposes such as in connection with television, film or photography courses. These uses fall under hobby or recreational use, according to the FAA’s interpretation, and schools and students should follow all the same protocols as a hobbyist.

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Using ALOFT App to Prepare and Confirm a Flight Plan

Pulls FAA Maps, Restricted Zones , Weather, Notifications

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Air Control & Weather

ALOFT - Air Control (app)

Air Space Restrictions

Weather Details

Nearby Sensitive Areas

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Drone Curriculums

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Drones in the Classroom

History and Projection

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Drones in the Classroom Resources

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Drone Options

Starter Drones

Mid Level Drones

Ryze Tech Tello - $149.99

DJI Mini 2 - $449

Hopper - $1,750 (3 Drones + Curriculum)

High Level Drones

Racing Drones

Tinyhawk 2 - $129.99

DJI Mavic 3 - $2,049

Coding Drones

CoDrones - $215

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FAA and P-12 exemption – updated Sept 2023

https://www.faa.gov/uas/educational_users

PRACTICE App for phones or tablets/iPads - “For students who struggle with flying drones, consider outfitting them with a tablet and a simulation app like QuadcopterFx so that they can practice with that in between flight times.”

“Consider having students wear safety glasses, even though drones are quite safe and flying apps have emergency features.”

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Simulator - DJI flight simulator

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Computational Thinking

P.B.L.

Problem Based Learning�Place Based Learning�Project Based Learning / Site Based Learning

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Drone Blocks

Pre-Program the flight path

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Mapping

Drone pictures save to the device where they can be used in lesson, posters, & MAPS (Perfect for Google MyMaps)

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How would you use Drones

with your students?

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History, Geography, Geology -> MAPS

Drone Mapping

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Drones with your Students - demos and ideas

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Q&A plus Wrap-up