AIRBATTLES "Mission Impossible"

AIRBATTLE drone competition is a STEM competition providing an educational platform for elem and MS students and their mentor to become familiar with and learn more about the many facets of drones.

There are few pieces of technology that excite students and the public like drones. These unmanned aerial marvels ignite imaginations and have countless opportunities for potential use. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are being used in many industries in new and exciting ways. Drones are innovating our lives and their educational value expose students to potential jobs in this fast-growing industry or a broader career in aviation.

• Each participating school may enter one flight team in the competition.

• There are two divisions:

• Elementary Division (4th - 5th graders)

• Middle School (6th - 8th graders)

• Participation is limited to 30 teams per division.

• There are no registration fees for participation.

• The competition will be held indoors with all safety precautions being utilized.

• Competition Dates: (The times of the competition are still a little flexible. We will send exact start and end times as we near the competition date.)

• Elementary Division - Saturday, January 21, 2023 8am-12pm

• Awards @ 12:00pm – 12:30pm

• Lunch 12pm-1pm

• Middle School Division - Saturday, January 21, 2023 1pm-4pm

• Awards 4:30-5:00pm

• Location- Frenship ISD

• Teams consisting of four members (spotter, 2 programmers and a pilot) will represent their schools and participate in a rescue mission to transport medical supplies to a hurt individual that rescuers cannot get to in a short time. The first part of the mission will be flown manually and the second part will have to be flown by program only due to lack of vision.

• The team’s pilot must log flight simulation hours to earn a “pilot’s license”.

• Each flight crew member and coach will receive a free t-shirt and free protective eyewear.

• Trophies and other recognitions will be awarded at the Awards Ceremony at the conclusion of the competition.

• Each team is required to supply their own Tello EDU Drone- Around $135.00 (Participants will be given ordering instructions.)

• Each team will need to provide its own compatible device for programming and flight (IPAD or Smartphone.)

• The team’s coach/teacher is required to attend a mandatory training that will focus on drone operation, safety, classroom instruction, career readiness, and organizing and leading a successful flight team. The training will be hands on and give coaches the opportunity to experience the excitement of programming and flying drones. (Drones provided for educators to use during the training are limited number.) So, if you can secure one to bring to training that is beneficial. Best Buy and Amazon have them. If you have attended a prior training you do not have to attend training again.

(The campus coach must attend all training sessions to be eligible for their team to participate in the competition.) If you attended last years' training you do not have to attend this summer training session to participate.

• Elementary & Middle School Coaches- July 20th from 9:00am- 4:00pm

If you have a drone please bring to practice programming and flight.

• Due to limited capacity only the first 30 registered teams in each division will be accepted. Registrations 30+ will be placed on a waitlist.

• Talk to your campus administrator about participating and get appropriate approvals.

• Team Registration-Upon gaining approvals, register your team at:

• Introduces Coding and Electronics-Students learn to code and program drones to fly specific patterns and become familiar with the internal electronics that make the device work.

• Develops Math Skills- Makes abstract math concepts real for students through calculating distances, reading graphs, and using data that they create themselves from simple flight paths.

• Emphasizes Learning Through Application- Students learn and apply real-world uses for STEM knowledge and skills.

• Enforces Student Centric Classrooms- Encourages student independence and autonomy.

• Facilitates Hands-On Learning- Allows students to experiment with trial and error, learn from their mistakes, and understand the potential gaps between theory and practice.

• Builds Life Skills-Students will engage in critical thinking, inquiry, problem-solving, collaboration and communication - all skills necessary for success in school, career and life.

Email: heather.sherrill@ttu.edu
Website: www.depts.ttu.edu/coe/stem
Location: 100 Engineering Center Box 43103 Lubbock TX 79409
Phone: (806)742-3451