Drone Technology in Education and Research

Melissa Chipman, a professor at Syracuse University, and her collaborator Mark Laura from the University of Illinois, are developing educational activities for K-12 students using drone technology. Their project focuses on teaching science concepts through the use of drones, which capture imagery in the near-infrared spectrum. This allows students to engage in skill-based and STEM learning activities, such as software training and hypothesis testing. The project emphasizes the importance of students conducting research in their own communities, fostering a connection to local environmental changes. The initiative also incorporates storytelling, helping students understand the broader context of their data collection efforts.

What is the primary educational level targeted by the drone technology project?

• K-12 students

• Postdoctoral researchers

• Undergraduate students

• Graduate students

Which landscape changes are being studied in the research project?

• Deforestation

• Desertification

• Wildfire and permafrost degradation

• Urban development

How are drones used in classrooms according to the project?

• For entertainment purposes

• To deliver skill-based and STEM-based material

• As a replacement for textbooks

• To monitor student attendance

What unique feature does the drone's camera have?

• It can print photos instantly

• It has night vision capabilities

• It captures near-infrared imagery

• It can record audio

What is the purpose of using software with drone imagery?

• To edit videos

• To pre-program flight paths and process images

• To play games

• To create animations

What scientific concept can be explored using drone imagery?

• Animal behavior

• Plant health through spectral signatures

• Weather patterns

• Ocean currents

Why is it important for students to conduct projects in their own communities?

• To learn about local environmental changes

• To increase school funding

• To compete with other schools

• To avoid travel expenses

What additional component is associated with the community-based projects?

• Music composition

• Sports activities

• Storytelling

• Art exhibitions

What is the benefit of scaling up to remote sensing data from space?

• It is cheaper than using drones

• It is faster to analyze

• It provides a global perspective

• It requires less training

What is the main goal of using drone technology in education?

• To increase school enrollment

• To enhance scientific understanding and skills

• To reduce the number of teachers

• To replace traditional teaching methods