The pupils began the day by identifying the various applications of drones and how they are currently being used to solve real world problems. Pupils were then introduced to drone programming for the purposes of both controlling and ultimately flying the drones in a safe and efficient manner. The pupils worked in teams and completed a range of activities which were based on problems such as delivering parcels by drones to a specific location.
Each of the pupil teams was supported by a member of St Ronan's 'Digital Leaders' who are currently engaged in practice-based research which focuses on the effective use of drones in education.
It is hoped that this type of problem-solving STEM based event will inspire some pupils to further pursue an interest in the STEM subjects at post-primary level and beyond. They also provide a unique opportunity for providing both Early Professional Development and Continuing Professional Development enhancement for teachers within both the primary and post-primary sectors.
The series of 'STEM in Primary Schools' events have come about as a result of the ongoing collaborative research project currently being conducted by Dr Kieran McGeown of St Mary's and Dr Michael Ievers of Stranmillis University College.
