In this episode of the STEM Heroes Podcast, host David Young interviews Dr. Jeremy Babendure, a scientist turned STEM education advocate. Dr. Babendure shares his journey from working with fluorescent proteins in the lab to launching the San Diego Science Festival and creating the Chief Science Officer program. He discusses how these initiatives have grown globally, connecting STEM education with workforce development. Learn about innovative approaches to engaging students in STEM, building community partnerships, and preparing the next generation for careers in science and technology.

Key topics covered:

• Laurie's role as a digital learning specialist
• Using drones to teach math, science, and problem-solving skills
• The Take Flight curriculum for drone education
• Engaging girls in STEM through drone projects
• Drone simulators and FPV racing drones in schools
• Real-world applications of drone technology
• Advice for educators looking to start STEM drone programs

Discover how drones are revolutionizing education and preparing students for future careers in this insightful conversation about technology integration in schools.

#STEMeducation #DronesinSchools #EdTech #MiddleSchoolSTEM

Key topics include:

• Innovative approaches to introducing drones in classrooms
• Strategies for engaging girls in STEM
• The importance of hands-on learning and reflection
• Overcoming challenges in implementing drone programs
• The future of drone education and its impact on STEM careers

Whether you're an educator, STEM enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and education, this episode offers valuable insights into making STEM accessible and exciting for all students.

Don't miss Amanda's practical tips for teachers looking to integrate drones and robotics into their classrooms. Tune in to learn how drones are revolutionizing STEM education and inspiring the next generation of innovators!

Jason discusses the immense value of robotics in developing critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, creativity and computational thinking in students. He gives insights into how schools can fund and implement robotics programs, whether through grants, corporate partnerships or their own budgets.

A major highlight is Jason's description of the exciting VEX Robotics World Championship, where over 25,000 students from 70+ countries compete with robots they've designed and coded themselves. He shares incredible stories of students' enthusiasm, teamwork and ingenuity at these events.

Throughout the conversation, Jason emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and complexity in the learning process, rather than just focusing on an end goal or final product. His advice is invaluable for teachers looking to bring more engaging, real-world STEM learning into their classrooms.

Whether you're an educator, student, parent or simply someone passionate about STEM education, this inspiring episode provides a captivating look into the world of robotics competitions and their powerful impact on student learning.

After retiring from the military, Keith became a JROTC instructor to continue mentoring and teaching youth. When Alabama provided funding for STEM education initiatives focused on computers or drones, Keith opted to integrate drones into his JROTC program. He found Drone Launch Academy to help teach his cadets to obtain their commercial drone pilot license (Part 107).

Keith discusses how he incorporated the drone curriculum into his leadership lab classes, teaching topics like airspace, regulations and emergency procedures. He shares entertaining stories of his cadets' "aha" moments when complex concepts clicked. So far, eight of Keith's students have passed the Part 107 exam.

Looking ahead, Keith plans to expand into drone mapping and have students use drones for tasks like monitoring parking lots during events. He even dreams of using drone mapping along with the school's robotics program to automatically paint parking lot lines! Tune in to hear this inspiring educator's innovative vision for using drones to prepare students for STEM careers.

Thomas shares the structure of his three-year drone program, covering principles of aviation, flight simulations, drone operations, mapping and modeling, real estate videography, search and rescue missions, and more. Discover how he incorporates hands-on experiences, industry collaborations, and real-world problem-solving to make learning engaging and relevant for his students.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or simply interested in drones and STEM education, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn about the challenges, successes, and valuable lessons Thomas has encountered while pioneering this cutting-edge curriculum in his school district.

Some key highlights:

• Students can earn 6 out of 12 required graduation points by obtaining their Part 107 commercial drone license through Matt's class
• In the class, students learn material to pass the 107 exam while also getting hands-on flight time with drones like the Tello and Phantom 4
• Students have worked on projects like filming drone video tours for a local retirement community and mapping the school's agricultural farm
• Matt partners with a nonprofit called Partnerships in Innovation and Education that helps secure grants and funding for equipment
• He advises other educators to get administrators and community partners on board to start a successful drone program

Matt shares valuable insights into implementing drones in the classroom and connecting students with practical STEM learning experiences. Whether you're an educator, student, or drone enthusiast, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Adrian Mayo is a true STEM hero! In this inspiring episode, we hear from Adrian, a former professional clown with Ringling Brothers Circus who is now passionately educating kids about drones and technology. Adrian shares his incredible journey of how he got started teaching drone camps and workshops after being inspired by kids' excitement for drones at an after-school program.

Despite having no military background, Adrian's innovative teaching methods and dedication to helping all students learn, including those with autism, led him to become a member of the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen organization. He now instructs at their annual drone camp, working alongside retired Air Force officers to inspire the next generation of engineers and pilots.

Adrian's infectious energy and moving stories of seeing kids' confidence soar as they learn to fly drones will leave you motivated. He offers wisdom for educators on getting started with drones, emphasizing the value of attending air shows to experience the thrill in person. Whether you're a teacher, student, or just looking for an uplifting story, don't miss Adrian's incredible path from clowning to trucking to becoming a passionate drone instructor changing kids' lives.

Email Adrian at technoclownpart5@gmail.com
His website is  Ileveleddrones.com

Grant then dives into his current role at DroneUp, a leading drone delivery company partnered with major retailers like Walmart. He explains how DroneUp operates, with drones delivering packages in under 30 minutes, and discusses their new "drone ecosystem" involving destination boxes and autonomous operations.

The conversation explores the future of drone jobs, from maintenance technicians to software engineers mapping obstacles and airspace. Grant provides insights into the skills needed, like coding, GIS, and multitasking for monitoring multiple drones. He also shares advice for educators considering starting a drone program at their school.

Whether you're a student eager to pursue a drone career, an educator looking to implement drones, or simply fascinated by this cutting-edge technology, this episode offers a compelling look at the rise of drone delivery and the opportunities within the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. Check it out for an insightful discussion blending Grant's unique perspectives from both the classroom and the forefront of commercial drone operations.

Adam shares his journey from working as an aerospace machinist to consulting and then pivoting to teaching STEM skills like coding drones. He gives insights into the joys and challenges of getting 3rd-5th graders excited about programming drones like the DJI Tello using simulators and hands-on activities.

You'll hear a hilarious cautionary tale of a drone lesson gone awry due to windy conditions. Adam offers valuable advice on structured curriculum, managing classroom tech issues, and ensuring successful drone implementations in schools.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, student, or just a fan of drones and STEM learning, this episode provides an engaging look at real-world drone education. Tune in for stories, lessons learned, and words of wisdom from the trenches of teaching drones to kids.

The podcast features discussions with teachers, students, administrators, and anyone connected to STEM education. David shares experiences from his company, Drone Launch Academy, which offers courses in drone technology and FAA exam prep.

Listeners can look forward to inspiring stories of students' achievements, funding opportunities for STEM programs, and practical advice for implementing STEM education. Each episode provides valuable resources and encourages exploration of new career paths in STEM fields.

The first episode premieres on May 21st, 2024, with subsequent episodes released weekly. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative podcast for educators, students, and STEM enthusiasts!

Subscribe now and join us on this journey of discovery and inspiration in STEM education.