Drone STEM Pilot Program – Leestown Middle School Kappa Klub

Cameron Sellers, Disaster Educator

May 15, 2026

Middle school students participating in the Kappa Klub after-school program at Leestown Middle School were provided with exposure to drone technology, aviation safety, and real-world STEM career applications. Many students had little prior experience with drones beyond recreational awareness and had not previously explored how drones connect to disaster response, engineering, agriculture, aviation, mapping, emergency management, or future career opportunities.

Cameron Sellers, CRD Disaster Educator with Kentucky State University Extension, implemented a three-session Drone STEM Pilot Program during Spring 2026 in partnership with Leestown Middle School and Kappa Klub leadership. Sessions focused on drone terminology, drone types and functions, FAA safety concepts, drone flight controls, disaster preparedness applications, aviation technology, and career exploration. Students participated in collaborative learning activities, drone mission navigation exercises, crash analysis discussions, STEM problem-solving activities, and hands-on drone flight experiences using a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone. Students also learned about FAA Part 107 certification opportunities and how drones are utilized in fields such as agriculture, emergency response, photography, pharmacy delivery systems, engineering, and environmental monitoring.

The program reached approximately 27 middle school students through three one-hour sessions held on March 24, April 28, and May 12, 2026. Students completed instructional worksheets, partner navigation activities, and post-program evaluations documenting engagement, learning outcomes, and future STEM interest. During the final session, all participating students independently flew the drone with instructor assistance while asking questions related to FAA airspace restrictions, drone careers, aviation safety, wildlife interactions, and emergency response operations.

Program evaluation responses demonstrated strong student engagement and positive educational outcomes. Out of 21 completed evaluations, 81% of students reported they enjoyed or strongly enjoyed the program, while 100% indicated they were open to participating in future drone activities. Students frequently referenced learning drone controls, aviation concepts, drone careers, and flight mechanics as key takeaways from the program. Several students specifically connected drones to future careers in pharmacy, engineering, aviation, emergency response, and agriculture. Due to the positive response and student engagement observed throughout the pilot program, Leestown Middle School administration expressed interest in continuing and expanding the Drone STEM Program during Fall 2026. Collaborative partners included Associate Principal Buford Kelly and KYSU drone operator William Rogers.