Can You Deliver A Package With CoDrone EDU?

Objective: The objective of this activity is to engage students in problem solving and coding by using the CoDrone EDU drone to safely deliver a package without damage. This activity mimics real-world applications such as organ delivery or package delivery like Amazon.

Materials:

• CoDrone EDU Drone
• Laptop/Computer with CoDrone programming software installed
• Any suitable small object weighing 5 grams or less to use as a package
• Can You Deliver A Package With CoDrone EDU? Creator Sheet

Instructions:

Introduction

Explain the objective of the activity and its real-world applications.

Discuss the importance of accurate navigation and safety during package delivery.

Explain that students will be coding the CoDrone EDU drone to navigate and safely deliver a package without damaging it.

Allow time for students to familiarize themselves with CoDrone EDU

Give a brief introduction to the CoDrone EDU drone, its components, and how it can be programmed.

Explain the basic flight commands and maneuvers the drone can perform.  Explain that students will be coding the CoDrone EDU to safely deliver a lightweight package without damaging it.

Discuss the location of CoDrone EDU’s sensors. Explain that the packages need to be attached to the top of the drone in order to prevent blocking the sensors.

Plan the Delivery Route

Discuss the factors involved in planning a safe delivery route, such as obstacles, distance, and precision landing.

Encourage students to brainstorm and create a strategy for the delivery route using pen and paper.

Ask them to consider different scenarios and challenges they may encounter.

Decide on a Package

Have students either create a package using a single piece of copy paper or any other object that weighs 5 grams or less.

Coding the Drone

Guide students through the process of coding the drone using the CoDrone programming software.

Explain the necessary commands to control the drone's takeoff, flight, and landing.

Encourage students to write the code for their planned delivery route.

Provide support and assistance as needed.

Determine the Method Of Attachment

Have students determine how they will securely attach their package to the drone to ensure safe delivery of their package.

Testing and Refining

Allow students to upload the code to the drone and test their delivery route in a safe and open area.

Observe the flights and note any issues or improvements needed.

Encourage experimentation and allow students to iterate on their code to optimize the delivery process.

Final Delivery

Give students time to make necessary adjustments based on testing.

Challenge them to complete the final delivery of the package without any damage.

Celebrate successful deliveries and encourage discussions on what worked and what didn't.

Reflection and Discussion

Facilitate a discussion to reflect on the challenges faced and lessons learned during the activity.

Encourage students to discuss their strategies, code improvements, and any new insights gained.

Extension Activity

Challenge students to add additional functionalities to the drone delivery system.

Ideas include obstacle avoidance, optical flow position sensors, or using other sensors to make landing or delivery more precise.

Note:

Make sure to emphasize safety during the activity, ensuring that students and the surroundings are safe while operating the drones.  Be sure to have any students with long hair pin it up before flying the drones.

We would love to see you try this STEM Challenge. Share your results with us through social media!

Happy Making,

Maker Maven