STEM Heroes

Matt Ernst is an educator at Aiken New Tech High School in Cincinnati, Ohio who runs a drone class for high school students. In this episode, he discusses how he got the drone program started, the process of getting funding and community partners involved, and the real-world opportunities he provides for students.
Some key highlights:
  • Students can earn 6 out of 12 required graduation points by obtaining their Part 107 commercial drone license through Matt's class
  • In the class, students learn material to pass the 107 exam while also getting hands-on flight time with drones like the Tello and Phantom 4
  • Students have worked on projects like filming drone video tours for a local retirement community and mapping the school's agricultural farm
  • Matt partners with a nonprofit called Partnerships in Innovation and Education that helps secure grants and funding for equipment
  • He advises other educators to get administrators and community partners on board to start a successful drone program
Matt shares valuable insights into implementing drones in the classroom and connecting students with practical STEM learning experiences. Whether you're an educator, student, or drone enthusiast, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

What is STEM Heroes?

Welcome to STEM Heroes, where we dive deep into the world of education, technology, and innovation.
Join us as we interview educators and STEM experts who are shaping the future with drones, robots, and cutting-edge technology.
Our goal is to showcase the endless possibilities that STEM offers for students, highlighting their achievements, success stories, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

In each episode, we engage in casual conversations with our guests, exploring their backgrounds in education, what inspired them to focus on projects involving drones, robotics, or other STEM areas, and the most memorable STEM projects their students have worked on.
We also delve into the challenges they've faced in implementing STEM initiatives, how they overcame them, and the resources and tools they find most helpful for teaching STEM effectively.

Through our discussions, we uncover how educators integrate real-world applications and industry knowledge into their STEM curriculum, offering valuable insights and advice for fellow educators looking to incorporate more hands-on STEM experiences. We also discuss the future of STEM education, particularly in relation to drones, robotics, and emerging technologies, envisioning a world where students are empowered to become the next generation of STEM leaders.

Join us on STEM Heroes as we celebrate the heroes of STEM education and inspire the innovators of tomorrow!