Drone Force Indiana Launches Summer Learning with Discovery Day at Stonybrook
Students at Stonybrook Intermediate and Middle School launched into summer with a hands-on drone experience that combined aviation, coding and teamwork. Discovery Day gave young learners a glimpse into the growing world of STEM careers while building valuable problem-solving skills.
Writer: DMJ, The Drone Docta
Summer took flight at Stonybrook Intermediate and Middle School as students kicked off their break with Drone Force Indiana’s Discovery Day, a high-energy, three-hour immersive drone experience designed to introduce young learners to aviation, teamwork, coding, and STEM skills.
Spearheaded by Dr. Simon, principal of Stonybrook Intermediate and Middle School, the event provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the exciting world of drones through hands-on learning and real-world aviation concepts.
Working in teams of two, students participated in a statewide drone transportation simulation that challenged them to think like pilots, engineers, and logistics specialists. Teams first planned transportation routes and delivery missions before using block coding to program flight paths. Students collaborated to communicate effectively and safely navigate drone missions across a simulated transportation network.
While flying was certainly exciting, safety remained the primary focus throughout the event. Students learned essential flight protocols and aviation best practices, including the importance of teamwork, situational awareness, and responsible drone operations. Participants also completed comprehensive Pre-Flight Checklists, practiced aviation communication skills, and strengthened their understanding of navigational terminology.
Students further developed their geographic literacy through hands-on latitude and longitude activities, learning how pilots and drone operators use coordinates to identify locations and navigate safely from one destination to another.
“Great communities aren’t built overnight — they’re built through small moments, shared spaces, and people willing to invest in one another.”
— City Development Director Maria Thompson
The excitement reached new heights during the Flight and Landing Accuracy Challenge, where teams competed to demonstrate precision flying skills. Participants carefully maneuvered their drones through designated flight paths before attempting accurate landings. The winning team earned a special prize package featuring books authored by DMJ The Drone Docta.
“We want students to understand that drones are more than technology. They are tools that open doors to careers in aviation, engineering, public safety, and entrepreneurship,” said Darrell Morton, founder of Drone Force Indiana and known to students as DMJ The Drone Docta. “When students learn to fly, code, and solve problems together, they begin to see themselves as future innovators and leaders.”
Discovery Day demonstrated how drones can serve as powerful educational tools that connect science, technology, engineering, mathematics, coding, and aviation in meaningful ways. By combining hands-on learning with teamwork and problem-solving, the event inspired students to see themselves as future innovators, pilots, engineers, and leaders.
As summer begins, Stonybrook students are already looking toward the upwards and discovering that their future has no limits, just skies.
Droneforce Indiana would like to thank the Warren Arts and Education Foundation for making the Discovery Day possible. To schedule a Discovery Day for your school or organization contact dmj@droneforceindiana.com.
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