SLU DOES: SLU Drones for Outreach and Education in STEM - A Framework for Community Engagement
Sophia Collins, Amanda Kohne, Mary Otten, Jacob Stukas, Srikanth Gururajan · 2024
This paper discusses the framework and implementation of a drone-based STEM outreach program at Saint Louis University for K-12 students in the Metro St. Louis region. This program takes advantage of the popularity of drones and uses them as an educational tool to engage K-12 students in STEM-related activities such as design, math, science, coding, and testing. The hands-on involvement of working with drones allows students to develop useful skills they can use in the future. Not only will the program increase younger students’ interest in STEM, but it will prepare the students for future challenges and opportunities. Additionally, this framework allows undergraduate engineering students at Saint Louis University to apply relevant engineering skills in practical, real-world settings, enhancing their own educational experience. Several outreach events were held over the course of the year 2023, and the lessons learned from those events are being incorporated to enhance the experience for the upcoming academic year 2023-24. Events held during the academic year 2023- 24 gained positive feedback from students, families, and educators.