STEMMing the Tide

If granted the funds, we would put it toward the purchase of multiple weather stations, air quality monitors, an environmental monitoring-enabled camera drone, and to fund workshops to facilitate training teachers on GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environmental) protocols and drone aviation techniques. .

We are interested in this drone technology for several reasons. First, we see this as an opportunity to invest students with another skillset they might use to address issues in our changing environment. This seems to align with YLACES emphasis on learners having access to scientific instruments to “contribute meaningful, reliable environmental measurements.” To that point, and second, this will enable students to take various kinds of environmental measurements that would be helpful in knowing better how to improve their environments. Third, this technology represents a far more sustainable option than some technologies that have been used to conduct different kind of environmental measurements. For instance, weather balloons use Helium, a non-renewable resource that is rapidly depleting and should be conserved for medical and scientific research. Since the closure of the National Helium Reserves in Amarillo, Texas in 2015, Helium prices have increased significantly, and continued depletion will soon make this an unattainable resource for educators in K-12. The use of drones for the same purposes is a more sustainable alternative.

Teachers will be able to incorporate drone use in their lessons and to conduct research in (but not limited to) the following ways:

• Weather mapping

• Monitoring marine ecosystems in the Mobile River

• Scouting and identifying potential sites for water quality analysis

• Asset mapping

• Measuring biodiversity in Africatown and comparing those measures to other neighboring communities

It is important to note that prior to using the drone equipment students will learn to pilot the drones through engagement with something called “soccer drone,” a kit for which will be funded through our existing grant. Soccer drone is an increasingly popular game designed to teach students how to fly drones in an accessible, engaging way, while also developing other STEM related skills such as programming/coding. After students reach flying proficiency by way of soccer drone play, they will then be able to pilot the more sophisticated drone for which we are seeking funding. We highlight this to signal our commitment to ensuring that students and teachers develop the necessary competencies to pilot what is an expensive technology, a preceding step that contributes to the overall sustainability of our work. Moreover, the introduction of soccer drone supports our aim to get students interested in and excited about STEM and for the purpose of addressing environmental challenges and promoting a citizen-science attitude.

Finally, we intend to incorporate the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environmental) program into the facilitation of our lesson plans through inputting environmental data collected by students from the drone into GLOBE’s shared databases. To properly equip teachers to implement GLOBE initiatives, we propose facilitating a workshop during which program-participating teachers will be trained on GLOBE protocols, including how to “connect their pupils to an international network of students, teachers and scientists to learn more about our shared environment” (GLOBE website https://www.globe.gov/get-trained). We have already reached out to Dr. David Padgett, Tennessee State University Associate Professor of Geography and GLOBE Trainer, who has agreed to facilitate the workshop.

In addition to GLOBE training, we plan to couple this workshop with an on-site drone flight class to train and prepare teachers on how to properly (and safely) utilize the research drone. As this drone will not be used for commercial purposes, teachers will not be required to obtain a license to fly this drone, however, they will have to complete an online drone safety course and register the device with the FAA. This training will not only prepare them for success in completing the safety course but will also help them learn how to effectively utilize the research drone and how to do minor repairs and maintenance. The date for this is to be determined, but we are aiming for late spring 2024.