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Workshop

Drone Coding and Engineering

Learn to code a drone, overcome challenges, discover how engineers work, and how you could use drones in the future!

Drone Coding and Engineering

In our engineering workshops, we try to ‘myth-bust’ ideas that engineering is all about large machinery and hard hats! Pupils learn hands-on that technology forms a major part of engineering - whether in the making of new products, or in developing the technology itself.

We use physical coding combined with engineering to develop great habits of mind. Using engineering encourages children to follow the 'plan'-'do'-'review' process that all good scientists and engineers follow. Students get hands-on experience of learning how to code, debug, and improve a drone in different challenges. It challenges their perceptions of engineering, and demonstrates how this cutting-edge technology is being used to solve real-world challenges across the globe. 

We use our workshops to develop a desire to learn about STEM and how it is used in everyday life. Alongside this, we know that by taking part in STEM activities students develop other skills such as team working, communication, problem-solving, resilience, and much more. These workshops offer an engaging link to engineering, the curriculum, and Gatsby Benchmarks while highlighting future career possibilities.

Capacity

Minimum of 10 participants, maximum of 32 participants.

Cost

Contact us for a full quote tailored to your requirements.

Dates and location

We do not charge travel costs on top of our workshops if the location is within one hour of our office in Sandbach. Over 1 hour we will charge mileage, over 2 hours we may need to add accommodation costs on top but we can offer a full quote before purchase.

Duration

The workshops can be a half (around 2.5 hours) or a whole day (around 5 hours) and fit in with a normal school day's break and lunchtime.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Develop engineering employability skills

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Topics

  • Living things and their habitats
  • Materials
  • Earth and space
  • Forces
  • Computing

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

  • Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

Good for a career in...

  • Aircraft
  • Computing
  • Construction
  • Electronics
  • Environment
  • Space
  • Rail and road transport
What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

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This day was fantastic! The students were thoroughly engaged and excited about the day, a whole loads of learning went on and as Neon say they learned through this real experience. Some of them now are considering a route into the drone industry on the back of this. Dom and Liz were excellent with the students; personable, humourous, approachable, very knowledgeable - couldn't ask for more! 5 star! *****
TOM GILFEATHER Careers Coordinator
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