Using Code to

Fly Drones

Did you know that you can write code to create patterns, fly missions and make your own aerial exhibition with drones? Using the resources on this website, you'll be able to write code and fly a drone with that code! You will be using either Tynker (Tablet, Chromebook, or iPad) or Swift Playgrounds (iPad only) to write code depending on your classroom technology.

You can get this program started very inexpensively - under $130 and provide a wide variety of experiences applying and reinforcing math, language arts, science, and other skills

Have fun!

Swift Playgrounds (Free)

iPad only

Swift Playgrounds provides a lesson by lesson coding experience for drones from taking off to designing your own flight. You will be able to see the progress you made in the lesson planning. This coding is a little more complicated, but there are quite a few help features.

Tynker (Free & Paid)

If you are using Tynker, you can create the code on your Chromebook, on an iPad, or Android Tablet. You have to use an iPad or Android Tablet to fly the drone - just log onto Tynker with your account. With the information I provide, you can provide a free coding experience for your students. The Paid Tynker Drone Curriculum has a lot more bells and whistles and will give students a full experience of coding. This website gives you the basics of using Tynker with drones - click here

Safety when flying the drone:

Wear safety glasses when flying the drone.

When flying Mambo and Airborne drones with coding, the drone is connected to the tablet or iPad with bluetooth. Because of this, the drone will have a limited range of flight.

Establish your drone fly zone - what will be the path of the drone? Always have your fly zone in an area where there isn't a walkway or students won't be walking through that area frequently. Stay out of the fly zone!

Mark your fly zone with ropes, chairs, or other creative ideas!

Teach your students how to 'emergency stop' a mission if their drone starts to escape the 'fly zone'

Have one person monitor the fly zone, especially areas people might enter the fly zone so you can keep them from entering the area.

Set your code so it keeps the drone safe (doesn't crash into things) & people safe (doesn't crash into them). Use your measurements from the 1st challenge to determine the maximum # of seconds your drone can fly up without hitting the ceiling in your space.

Regulations on Flying Drones - be certain to check regulations before starting a drone program. In general, as of 12/6/2018, if the drone is under .55 lbs and is flown indoors, you don't need a license or registration to fly the drone. The Parrot Mambo and Airborne drones are significantly below that weight restriction. Please check current regulations and any special local or school regulations before purchasing and starting a drone program in your school.

Other applications:

You can also use Blockly, Mathworks Simulink, Java, Python, & Developers to code to fly drones with Parrot Drones - click here for more information. Each one poses different levels of challenge for your students.

Another option is called Codrone Pro This program uses Arduino technology so it isn't run by an iPad or Android Tablet. There are lessons available for learning how to code on the Codrone site. The coding and use of this program seems to be more advanced than either the Tynker or Swift Playgrounds apps. I haven't used these materials for my classes.

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