Air Museum is Awarded a STEM Ready, Set Drone Grant

Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation was awarded a Ready, Set, Drone grant by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Scale Up Program. 

The program is designed to aid 4th – 8th graders explore STEM learning and drone careers.  The curriculum will be featured in museum summer camps or after school programs.
 
Using mini drones, students will explore UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) technology, safety in using drones, capture aerial photos and videos, and explore the real-world applications and possibilities of drones. Students will use physics, collaborate in flight teams, tackle engineering challenges and use science notebooks to reflect on their UAV experiences.
 
Jenn Taylor, board member and grant author said, “We strive to bring aviation related experiences to youth to foster a passion and excitement that may encourage them to seek an aviation related career in the future. The drone program would offer youth the opportunity to use technology and problem-solving skills to enrich their education.”
 
 “The air museum is proud to be a part of Iowa’s best STEM education programs,” says Larry Finley, Executive Director.  “We are also integrating this curriculum into our new 727 STEM Learning Center that is sponsored by FedEx Express based in Memphis, Tennessee.  The 727 is in the final stages of renovation.”
 
Through legislative appropriation, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is able to offer exemplary STEM programs throughout the state.  Iowa Governor’s Council reviews applicants from a competitive field and awarded the air museum the grant.  The mission of the council is to ensure that Iowa has a world class STEM education system consistently supported at the state level. 
 
The implementation of the Scale-Up program would allow the museum to engage with youth in the Siouxland community that wouldn't necessarily have access to this technology. School districts are encouraged to contact the museum.  The program will run in conjunction with the museum Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac and Junior Pilot School that is led by area school teachers and volunteer FAA certified fight instructors.