Drone-based learning: A project-based learning (PBL) programme for secondary school students to explore making and coding.

Secondary school students, with no computer science in their curriculum, were engaged in a programme framed by project-based learning (PBL) and focused on drone design with the aim to introduce them to the making world and coding. After an interactive introduction on drones and a reflection on their impact and implications in our society, students were asked to research how drones could be used for good. Each team went through all the steps of the design cycle: from the understanding and definition of the problem to solve using drones (e.g., medical assistance in remote locations, prevention of fires, supervision of an archeological site), to the making of a prototype of the chosen scenario, from the coding of the drone to the demonstration of their projects. Students were proactive, creative, and collaborative, showing a positive engagement with making and coding.