Teaching Beyond the Curriculum

Abstract

The aim of the Science Experiential Aerial Research (SEAR) Program is getting students out of their seats and actively engagedin real-world research applications using cutting edge technological tools. This presentation will explore an innovative experiential learning program that utilizes drones and machine learning technologiesto engage high school students in STEM education. The program focuses on providing students in grades 9-12 with hands-onexperience in collecting aerial data and using image classification tools to process and analyze that data. The use of drones in this program offers an exciting and unique opportunity for students to learn about a rapidly growingtechnology that is transforming various industries, including agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring. The programalso provides an opportunity for students to develop skills in machine learning, which is increasingly becoming an essential tool in various fields. Throughout the program, students will be encouraged to collaborate and think critically as they work on real-world problems thatrequire them to collect and analyze data from different locations. This approach will help students develop practical skills in datacollection, analysis, and visualization. They will also learn how to apply these skills in various fields, including agriculture andenvironmental monitoring. The program is designed to be flexible and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different school districts and studentgroups. It can also be integrated into existing curricula or run as a standalone program. By engaging students in this experientiallearning program, we hope to inspire a new generation of innovators who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary tosolve complex problems using cutting-edge technologies.