))
S1 E6- Keith Pritchett- JROTC Instructor Integrates Drones into STEM Education
Manage episode 423042816 series 3574449
Content provided by Drone Launch Academy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Drone Launch Academy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
In this episode of the STEM Heroes podcast, host David Young talks with Keith Pritchett, a former Army helicopter pilot turned JROTC high school instructor in Alabama. Keith shares his fascinating background, including 26 years in the Army where he worked as an air traffic controller before becoming a helicopter pilot and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After retiring from the military, Keith became a JROTC instructor to continue mentoring and teaching youth. When Alabama provided funding for STEM education initiatives focused on computers or drones, Keith opted to integrate drones into his JROTC program. He found Drone Launch Academy to help teach his cadets to obtain their commercial drone pilot license (Part 107).
Keith discusses how he incorporated the drone curriculum into his leadership lab classes, teaching topics like airspace, regulations and emergency procedures. He shares entertaining stories of his cadets' "aha" moments when complex concepts clicked. So far, eight of Keith's students have passed the Part 107 exam.
Looking ahead, Keith plans to expand into drone mapping and have students use drones for tasks like monitoring parking lots during events. He even dreams of using drone mapping along with the school's robotics program to automatically paint parking lot lines! Tune in to hear this inspiring educator's innovative vision for using drones to prepare students for STEM careers.
11 episodes
Share
