High School NJROTC Program Pioneers Drone Education with Real-World Applications

A Naval Junior ROTC program at South Caldwell High School is taking an innovative approach to drone Education, combining hands-on flight training with discussions of ethics and practical applications. The program, reportedly funded by a $1,500 Blue Ridge Electric Bright Ideas grant, features both a primary drone equipped with video capabilities and two smaller training units.

From Classroom Concept to Community Solutions

Senior Naval Science Instructor David Brown introduced the drone program after students expressed interest in exploring the technology’s growing role in current events. The initiative goes beyond basic flight training, challenging students to develop practical applications that could benefit their community.

Student teams have identified several potential use cases for the technology, including aerial coverage of sporting events, facilities maintenance inspection, and emergency response scenarios. One particularly innovative proposal involves using drones to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and medical supplies to hard-to-reach accident scenes.

Progressive Drone Training Approach

The program emphasizes a measured approach to drone operation. Students begin their training on smaller drones in classroom settings before advancing to the main unit, which features live video feed capabilities transmitted to an iPhone. This progression helps develop essential skills while minimizing risks to property and equipment.

During a recent test flight, 17-year-old student operator Dominic Krelie demonstrated the challenges of simultaneous drone control and camera operation while conducting a simulated security exercise. The test revealed both the potential and limitations of current Drone Technology, particularly regarding video quality and real-time surveillance capabilities.

The curriculum notably includes critical discussions about drone ethics and responsible use. “You’re the ones who have to vote on how these are used. You’re the ones that have to live with this,” Brown told his students, emphasizing their role in shaping future drone policy and implementation.

Implications for STEM Education

This approach to Drone Education reflects a growing trend in STEM education, where hands-on experience with emerging technologies is combined with thoughtful consideration of their societal implications. As drones become increasingly prevalent in civilian and commercial applications, programs like this help prepare students for future technological challenges while fostering responsible innovation.

The program’s focus on practical applications and ethical considerations provides a model for other schools looking to integrate drone technology into their curriculum. It demonstrates how educational institutions can prepare students for emerging technologies while encouraging critical thinking about their implementation and impact.

Photo courtesy of David Prewitt/News-Topic.