Seventh and eighth grade students attending LMSD's Summer Middle School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Camp took their learning to new heights on Thursday, July, 14, 2022, as they put drones they had built and coded themselves to the test.
The students worked collaboratively in small teams to program the drones to fly through two target loops in their classroom. In the process, they learned a lot about about teamwork, algorithms, coding and patience.
Then, the class had a visit from Pa. State Trooper Jim Trumpio, who explained a real-world application of using drones in his work as a Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialist (CARS). He told the students how he uses advanced math and physics in his job and how he had to pass a rigorous test to become a licensed drone pilot.
Harriton High School Computer Science teacher Chris Busza, who led the lessons, explained that in addition to the academics, the purpose of the drone project was to inspire students to become excited about STEM, with a goal of having more students take advanced STEM courses as they move on to high school.
The students learned a little about journalism, too, as a reporter from KYW and videographers from CBS3 and 6abc stopped by to record their excitement. Look and listen for the students on those stations. You can also click on the slide show below to see photos from the day.
