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Drones
Drones have many potential positive uses for both staff and students throughout PSUSD. They can offer several benefits in a school setting, potentially enhancing the learning experience for students and educators alike. Here are some key advantages Making science, tech, engineering, and math (STEM) fun: Learn how drones fly, code them to move, and use them for cool projects.
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Drones at PSUSD
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Making learning engaging Have fun while exploring new things with drones in the classroom.
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Working together on projects Collaborate with friends to build, fly, and use drones for amazing tasks.
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Bringing lessons to life See history from above, explore landscapes in geography, and more!
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Making STEM fun Learn how drones fly, code them to move, and use them for cool projects.
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Getting creative Use drones to take pictures, videos, and even build your own!
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Beyond the Classroom: PSUSD's Drone Initiative Takes Learning to New Heights
Drones have become an integral part of several different programs at Palm Springs Unified School District. These areas include our CTE programs, Drone in STEMS, Drone Soccer, Drone Racing, and Drone Engineering. Teaching about drones in schools is important because it prepares students for the modern world, enhances STEM education, fosters hands-on learning, and encourages interdisciplinary thinking. It also raises awareness about important issues such as safety, ethics, and environmental stewardship while opening up potential career opportunities in a growing industry.
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What to do to obtain approval to use a drone on PSUSD property
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Student
Students interested in the art of drone flying must obtain approval from an authorized staff member.
Obtain approval as a student
Safety
- For safety reasons, the use of personal drones on school grounds is strictly prohibited.
- To ensure everyone's safety and get proper approval, you'll need to obtain authorization from the authorized teacher or staff member on campus.
- District drones must be operated in a designated enclosed area with staff supervision.
- You can learn more about the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for drone usage, depending on the student's age and the drone's capabilities.
Policy
- To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, flying drones on school property requires approval from a school administrator and supervision by a staff member who has obtained authorization for drone operation.
- To fly a drone as a hobbyist in the state of California (i.e. for fun / pleasure) you are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
Equipment
- Only drones approved and/or purchased by the school district are permitted on campus.
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Teacher/Staff
As a teacher/staff member, get the green light to launch a drone program for educational purposes.
Obtain approval as a teacher/staff member
Those granted permission
- Teachers/ Staff members who are part of a school or district drone program.
- District-approved drones may be operated on campus with prior approval for educational programs and curriculum integration.
Equipment
- To ensure safe and responsible drone usage at school, only district-approved drones are allowed.
- To ensure responsible and safe drone use, we allow the operation of district-owned drones only.
- Drone Permit
Drone Safety Guidelines
The following must be adhered to operate any drone over District property, or to use a District-owned drone anywhere:
- Do teachers/staff use pre-flight checklists and risk mitigation forms for internal use and documentation?
- Do teachers have flight binders for documentation of flights?
- Does the school and/or department have UAS or drone maintenance plans and record-keeping procedures?
- Are all applicable teachers/staff FAA Part 107 Certified Pilots?
- Do all applicable teachers/staff hold a state UAS Commercial Operator Permit (if required)
- Do current insurance policies include coverage for Small Unmanned Air Systems/Drones?
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Vendor
Obtain approval to bring in an eternal vendor using their drone equipment by following procedure.
Obtain approval to bring in a vendor using their drone equipment
All staff, departments, and programs within the school district seeking to acquire or utilize technology from external vendors must follow the procedure below:
- Needs Assessment
- Vendor Research
- ETIS Department Approval Request
- ETIS Evaluation
The individual or department seeking to initiate or participate in the activity/program must submit a formal request for approval to the site administrator. The requesting department submits a request for approval to The Division of Education Technology Information Services.
Additional Considerations
- FAA Regulations: Ensure the chosen drones comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for educational use.
- Insurance: Verify if the vendor's insurance covers drone operation on school grounds. The district may also need to consider additional insurance coverage.
- Safety Training: Confirm that the vendor provides comprehensive safety training for authorized personnel who will be operating the drones.
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PSUSD & Drones – Policies
Under FAA guidelines for drones, the use of drones falls under 2 categories:
- Recreational/Hobbyist – Recreational or hobby UAS or drone use is flying for enjoyment and not for work, business purposes, or for compensation or hire.
- Commercial – The commercial use of UAS or drones is the operation of an uncrewed or model aircraft for non-hobby and non-recreational purposes. As a commercial operator, you must fly under the FAA’s Part 107 rules.
To learn more about flying drones, see the FAA Updates Recreational Drone Flying Guidance.
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Gear Up for Takeoff! PSUSD Launches Drone Soccer LeagueCalling all future pilots! Get ready for high-flying competition with PSUSD's exciting new Drone Soccer League. This innovative program combines the thrill of soccer with the challenge of drone piloting. Students will learn teamwork, problem-solving, and piloting skills while competing in fast-paced aerial matches. It's STEM learning in action, preparing students for the careers of tomorrow. So, if you're ready to take your game to the next level, sign up for Drone Soccer and become a PSUSD champion!
