Drone Education

Drones are highly interesting to youths and adults alike, and the Utica-Rome area abounds in drone activity. NUAIR and many technology companies are innovating for the drone industry while commercial applications of drones within the region range from law enforcement, search and rescue, real estate, videography, and inspection services.

A neglected segment of the drone enthusiast population is the youth who are every bit as serious about this technology. With guidance and support children as young as ten years old can engage in an entry-level study of drones that can evolve into a serious study or career in technology, aviation, programming, science, mathematics, and more, helping to fill the STEM pipeline.

Starting its second season, The Genesis Group Drone Education Program, provides more-than-basic, hands-on drone instruction to area teachers and their students in fourth through 12th grades. Single or multi-day camps enable participants to improve their manual flight skills or learn to fly for the first time. Drone safety, building & repair, programming, the science of flight, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules of the airspace are components of the curriculum that “launch” students into the world of this exciting technology.

In its first season Genesis Drones held multi-day camps with Camden Schools’ “Camp Sum More Fun” and Westmoreland School’s “Summer STEM”. We also collaborated with the Tug Hill Commission to present “Drones: Transforming Work, Play, and Economies”…which was held in April at the Turning Stone Casino Conference Center. The event feature keynote presentations by officials from NUAIR and NYS DEC as well as exhibits and demonstrations by an array of drone professionals. We look forward to future visits to schools for drone camps and numerous career demonstrations, including a 3-D printing learning station.

Even though the program is starting its second season, Co-chairs Jeff and Maria Smith are not new to drone instruction. With over seven years’ experience, they have conducted dozens of camps at schools in Herkimer, Oneida, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties. Other camp instructors include experts in various drone technologies. For more information or to schedule a camp for your school, contact dronesedu@thegenesisgroup.org