S1 E4- Matt Ernst - Starting a High School Drone Program

Matt Ernst is an educator at Aiken New Tech High School in Cincinnati, Ohio who runs a drone class for high school students. In this episode, he discusses how he got the drone program started, the process of getting funding and community partners involved, and the real-world opportunities he provides for students.

Some key highlights:

• Students can earn 6 out of 12 required graduation points by obtaining their Part 107 commercial drone license through Matt's class
• In the class, students learn material to pass the 107 exam while also getting hands-on flight time with drones like the Tello and Phantom 4
• Students have worked on projects like filming drone video tours for a local retirement community and mapping the school's agricultural farm
• Matt partners with a nonprofit called Partnerships in Innovation and Education that helps secure grants and funding for equipment
• He advises other educators to get administrators and community partners on board to start a successful drone program

Matt shares valuable insights into implementing drones in the classroom and connecting students with practical STEM learning experiences. Whether you're an educator, student, or drone enthusiast, this is an episode you won't want to miss!