From $1Drone Dynamics: Fly, Code, and Command the Skies!
Wed, May 13 · 3:00 PM
S.T.E.A.M Lab · LIC
Get ready to take flight! In Drone Dynamics, students become drone pilots and aerial engineers, learning how to fly, code, and navigate drones through creative missions and challenges. Each week builds new skills — from flight safety and controls to aerial mapping and mission planning — all while exploring the science behind how things fly. Students will design obstacle courses, perform rescue missions, and even map out “pollinator paths” using drones! By the end of the program, they’ll showcase their piloting skills and creative problem-solving in the Drone Flight Expo — a thrilling final competition and celebration of innovation. With a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and creativity, this program takes engineering and problem-solving to new heights Focus Areas: Engineering, Physics of Flight, Coding, Technology, and Teamwork Standards Alignment: NGSS-PS2.A & PS2.B: Forces and Motion — Investigate how lift, thrust, and drag work. NGSS-ETS1: Engineering Design — Define and test solutions through drone missions. CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE: Apply measurement, geometry, and spatial reasoning. SEL Standards: Collaboration, focus, and decision-making. Weeks 1–2: Welcome to Flight School Theme: The Science of Flight Activities: Learn drone safety rules and parts of a UAV. Discover lift, thrust, drag, and gravity with paper plane challenges. Practice takeoff and landing with basic drone controls Goal: Understand flight fundamentals and safety protocols. Weeks 3–4: Becoming a Pilot-in-Training Theme: Hands-On Flight Basics Activities: Learn to hover, rotate, and maneuver drones safely. Create a “landing pad” challenge for accuracy practice. Introduce teamwork with pilot/navigator partner roles. Goal: Build fine motor control and spatial awareness. Weeks 5–6: Mission: Precision Pilot Theme: Accuracy and Control Activities: Fly through rings and tunnels in obstacle courses. Complete timed landing and retrieval challenges. Learn about sensors and how drones maintain balance. Goal: Develop flight precision and control under constraints. Weeks 7–8: Coding Takes Flight Theme: Coding & Automation Activities: Use block-based programming to pre-plan flight paths. Program drones to perform “autopilot missions.” Explore how math and sequencing apply to real flight patterns. Goal: Combine computer science with engineering through drone coding. Weeks 9–10: Midterm Mission — The Sky Challenge Theme: Midterm Team Showcase Activities: Teams plan and execute a series of challenges (takeoff, fly-through, hover, land). Record scores for precision, teamwork, and creativity. Reflect on learning in pilot journals. Goal: Demonstrate mastery of basic flight skills and collaboration. Weeks 11–13: Aerial Engineering Adventures Theme: Drones as Tools for Innovation Activities: Design “rescue drop” systems using parachutes Simulate search-and-rescue missions using objects or targets. Learn how drones are used in delivery, construction, and safety. Goal: Understand real-world engineering applications of drone tech. Weeks 14–16: Drones & Data — The Mapping Mission Theme: Aerial Mapping & Environmental Science Activities: Learn how drones capture images and data. Map out a schoolyard or indoor grid using flight coordinates. Conduct a “Pollinator Mapping” or “Environmental Survey” mission. Goal: Apply drone flight to science and geography concepts. Weeks 17–19: Build Your Own Mission Theme: Creative Flight Design Activities: Students design a new mission or challenge for their peers. Incorporate props, landing zones, or coded tasks. Practice leadership and presentation skills as “Mission Commanders.” Goal: Apply critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Week 20: The Drone Flight Expo! Theme: Showcase & Celebration Activities: Students demonstrate their missions and flight skills for families and peers. Celebrate with pilot certificates and photos. Reflect on what they learned about engineering, coding, and teamwork. Goal: Celebrate innovation and build presentation confidence. CLASS SCHEDULE 2:30-3:30pm: Local Park Visit, Snack, Homework Help, and Guided Free Choice 3:30-4:00pm: Warm Up Activity 4:00-5:30pm: Feature Activity 5:30-5:45 pm: Free Choice & Parent Pickup ADDITIONAL DETAILS CLICK HERE for our FAQ and General Policies Guide Complimentary Bus Stop Pickup Available Classes are held on all Wednesdays except for those days when school is closed. All Afterschool Students receive 10% off on No-School Camp Days at The Afterschool Collective. Full Semester price is discounted to $90 per session rather than the $105 per session drop in investment
