Empowering the Next Generation:
The Success of the Discovery Drone Kit Project
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), in a powerful partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the Know Before You Fly initiative, recently concluded a project that is reshaping how young students engage with aviation. The "Discovery Drone Kit" project delivered high-quality drone education to thousands of students nationwide.
Project Overview: A "Lesson in a Box"
The primary mission of the project was to develop and distribute at least 2,500 "drone lesson in a box" kits designed specifically for students aged 8 to 12. These kits were targeted at public schools, housing authorities, and a wide variety of youth-serving nonprofits to help students engage with principles of science, aerodynamics, and safe flying practices.
Each Discovery Drone Kit provided more than just hardware; it offered a complete educational experience including:
- Components to assemble and customize a hobby-grade drone designed by the project’s manufacturing partner, Pitsco.
- A comprehensive 22-page lesson plan created by professional science educators.
- Engaging instructional videos for both teachers and students.
- Interactive resources like flight logs and challenge activities.
Celebrating National Impact
While the initial goal was 2,500 kits, the project successfully distributed 5,000 kits, reaching every single one of the 50 states, as well as Washington D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico.
The results speak for themselves:
- 10,000+ students were directly impacted by the program.
- 100% of survey respondents agreed that the kits were fun and engaging for their students.
- 100% agreement that the program successfully increased student knowledge of aerodynamics and safe flying.
AMA: A Leader in Drone Education
The Discovery Drone Kit project, conceptualized by the FAA for the Know Before You Fly initiative, was led and implemented by AMA’s team of world-class education professionals. Distribution of the kits was supported by many AMA members and clubs, as well as other partner organizations. AMA and FAA have demonstrated how professional expertise and federal support can combine to deliver a national impact on aviation literacy through partnerships like Know Before You Fly.
Ongoing Impact: Building the Future Workforce
Beyond the statistics, the Discovery Drone Kit project is sparking life-long passions. Educators have reported that for many students, these kits provided their first access to drone technology. One parent noted that the project helped their child find a genuine interest they hadn't discovered in sports or other hobbies, calling it a "life-changing discovery". Sharing the thrill of model aviation has been
By providing hands-on learning experiences and encouraging students to consider careers in aviation-related fields, AMA and FAA are actively building the foundation for the future aerospace workforce. As these students continue to use their kits and share their knowledge, the ripples of this project will be felt for years to come.
Though the project has concluded, resources are still available. Drone kits can be purchased from Pitsco (Drone Maker Kit | Create Your Own Drone). Accompanying videos, lesson plan, and printable activities are available for free at the Know Before You Fly Discovery Drone Kit webpage.
