Drone Definition:
A drone, or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is an aircraft that does not contain a human pilot onboard. Drones can be operated remotely or they can have code or AI (Artificial Intelligence) programs loaded onto their hard drive to operate autonomously.
Drone History
Drones were originally designed for use in the military during World War II doing jobs that were considered too dangerous or dirty for humans or animal life. It is estimated that there were about 3500 missions during the Vietnam war and about 550 drones went down in the action.
Drones today
While drones are still used in today’s military, they now have a wider range of purpose in our society. Drones can be used in film making and photography, law enforcement and emergency services, agriculture, tourism and more.
Drone Careers
There are also many job opportunities as a drone pilot. A quick Seek job search found positions as RPA (remotely piloted aircraft) drone pilots for surf life saving, surveillance for logistics companies, careers in the defence force and tourism film maker careers.
Drone Racing at Bosco
Themes for drone races have varied from a Mario Kart race for 1st 2nd and 3rd place, Christmas time trials, Pilot the plaza, which involved a movie theatre and a bakery and a Halloween themed points collection event. Students have also participated on the sides lines with running commentary and advertising competitions, drone related quizzes and a build a drone component.
Drone Races Big Leagues
The Drone Racing League (DRL) is the world’s premier, professional drone racing property. The best drone pilots in the world fly in the league and millions of fans watch them race on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Instagram. DRL is creating a new era of sports that brings high-speed competition to the world.
Find out more here
DESIGN BRIEF:
Your task is to design a drone race that your whole class can participate in.
INVESTIGATE:
You will learn how to use and care for the drones and will gain an understanding of drone components. You will need to identify the limitations of the race including the time and space you have to work with. You will also need to identify considerations for the race, such as following WA drone laws and indoor flight rules.
PLAN:
Your drone race will be presented to the class in the form of a video or powerpoint presentation. Your class mates will be voting on which drone race should be pursued. You will include a map, a theme, obstacles, how to win the event, and how to keep the race fair for everyone.
PRODUCE:
The chosen race will be prepared by the class and a race day will be announced. All class members will have a roll to play in the event.
EVALUATE:
You will evaluate the success and improvement points of the race.
Investigate
Task 1.
ANALYSE: DRONE COMPONENTS
Find the following components on the TELLO EDU. Write a purpose or function for each.
Save the image of the TELLO drone and add the component number.
4. Camera is already shown on the image
1. Propellers
2. Motors
3. Aircraft Status Indicator
4. Camera
5. Power Button
6. Antennas
7. Distance sensors
8. Battery
9. USB Port
10. Propeller Guard or Cage
Task 2.
ANALYSE: DRONE STORAGE AND CARE
Create a PowerPoint or video explaining the following:
– How to store drones
– How to store batteries
– How to charge batteries
Task 3.
ANALYSE: DRONE USE
Create an instructional video or PowerPoint explaining the following
– Connecting a drone to an iPod
– Connecting a controller to an iPod
– Piloting a drone including:
– Take of
– Landing
– Moving left
– Moving right
– Moving forward
– Moving backward
– Moving up and
– Moving down
Task 4.
RESEARCH: DRONE LAWS
– Create a list of all of the Physical limitations that you have found for the Tello EDU Drone including size, speed, agility etc.
– Create a list of all of the Safety Precautions that you need to consider for piloting the Tello EDU Drone
– Create a list of the Drone Laws in Western Australia that you need to follow in order to pilot drone indoors
– List the Drone Rules that need to be followed when flying a drone indoors at Bosco
Plan
Brain Storm Ideas
In your groups, brainstorm ideas for your drones race. When you have finished brainstorming, add a photo of your work to your website.
See the information at the top of the page about Drone Racing at Bosco
Consider the following questions in your brainstorm.
– Race theme
– Obstacles
– How to win the event: Time / Points / Placing
– How to keep the event fair
Drone Race Map
Use the attached blank map of the Technologies Hallway to create a drone race map. Include the following elements clearly labelled:
- Obstacles with explanation
e.g. Drone will need to fly through hoops of various sizes - Dash lines or arrows representing flight path
- Stick figures representing participants
BLANK DRONE RACE MAP 2023
EXAMPLE DRONE RACE MAP:
Drone Race Presentation
Create a powerpoint with the following information
- Cover page
- Theme
- Obstacles
- How to win
- Race map explained
- Side contest explained
Example Presentation
Produce
Drone Race Preparation
Your group will be allocated a task that contributes to the upcoming race. This may include making a tunnel, or making a start line.
Keep an eye on SEQTA to check what jobs might still need to be completed.
Evaluate
What went well?
Participate in a think pair share to find out what people liked about race day.
List your favourite aspects of race day on your website
What didn’t go so well?
Identify two aspects of race day that did not go so well.
List them on the white board
How could we improve?
Pick two aspects from the whiteboard and think about how they could be improved.
Write about your improvements on your website. Be descriptive
Digital Technology 