Drone Soccer takes flight in Jamaican classrooms, transforming STEM education

Students across Jamaica are being introduced to drone technology through the Jamaica Drone Soccer Initiative and the DRIFT Drones in School Programme Tour, aimed at transforming STEM education through hands-on learning.

In an era where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, educational institutions are being urged to adapt their teaching methods to prepare students for the future. One area seeing significant growth is the integration of drones into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Drones, once primarily associated with military and recreational use, are now powerful tools in the classroom.

Dervon McKellop, President of the Jamaica Drone Soccer Initiative and the DRIFT Drones in School Programme Tour, said technology is dramatically changing education, making it more accessible, engaging, and personalized. This, he said, is achieved through various advancements like online learning platforms, AI-powered learning tools, and immersive technologies, which enhance traditional teaching methods and offer new ways to learn.

“Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) is revolutionizing education by offering an interdisciplinary approach that integrates these subjects, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovation. Our objectives are centered on education, youth engagement, technology integration, and workforce development,” McKellop said.

Educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, are incorporating drones into their curricula to engage students in hands-on learning experiences. The versatility of drones allows educators to teach a wide range of STEAM concepts across various disciplines.

McKellop said one of the significant advantages of using drones is their ability to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications. “For example, students studying physics can learn about aerodynamics by understanding how drones achieve lift and manoeuvre through the air. Similarly, students interested in engineering can explore the design and construction of drones, gaining insights into mechanics, materials, and electronics,” he said.

The applications of drones in education extend beyond just one discipline. McKellop said, for example, in geography, students capture aerial footage with the drone and analyze the data, which also includes in-class discussions and comparisons.

“This may involve identifying geographical features, measuring distances, or creating maps using geographic information systems (GIS) software, encouraging students to compare the drone imagery with other sources, such as maps or satellite images, to gain a deeper understanding of the landscape,” he said.

As technology continues to advance, drones are becoming increasingly prevalent in various industries, from agriculture and construction to transportation and emergency services.

“By introducing students to drones in an educational setting, we are preparing them for the technological landscape they will encounter in the workforce. Whether they pursue careers in robotics, aerospace engineering, data analytics, or any other STEAM field, the skills and knowledge gained through drone education will serve them well in the future,” McKellop said.

McKellop and his team have been implementing STEAM through the Jamaica Drone Soccer Initiative and the DRIFT Drones in School Programme Tour, two innovative and thrilling activities that blend the excitement of sports with the latest in drone technology.

This interactive experience offers more than just fun; it is a powerful educational tool designed to inspire students and open doors to future career opportunities. Drone Soccer makes complex STEAM concepts accessible and exciting. Students will explore principles of aerodynamics, technology integration, and engineering through hands-on participation.

Drone soccer is a team-based sport where players pilot small, lightweight drones inside protective spherical cages, aiming to score points by flying their drone through a goal hoop suspended in the air. Unlike drone racing, which focuses purely on speed, drone soccer emphasizes team strategy, passing, blocking, and offense or defense coordination—much like traditional soccer but in three dimensions.

The sport, commercialized in 2016 by the Federation of International Dronesoccer Association (FIDA), aims to be inclusive, appealing to players of all ages and genders. Its accessibility and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) applications have made it particularly popular in educational settings, fostering skills in aviation, engineering, and collaboration.

On a recent tour in Jamaica, several schools—including primary and high schools—were exposed to the dynamics of drone soccer, and the response was overwhelming and positive. These schools included Norman Gardens Primary, St. George’s College, and Wolmer’s Boys School.

“Drone Soccer prepares students for the future by aligning with national STEM/STEAM curriculum standards, supporting project-based learning and interdisciplinary assessments and offering a fun and competitive gateway to careers in aviation, robotics, AI, engineering, and tech entrepreneurship,” McKellop said.

The sustainability of the Drone Soccer and DRIFT Drones in School programme, he said, depends on several key pillars, including resource planning, curriculum alignment, community partnerships, and ongoing support.

“When implemented strategically, the project can be highly sustainable and scalable across schools. Drone Soccer and aerial robotics can be embedded into existing STEAM or TVET frameworks,” McKellop said.

“Schools do not need to create a new subject, the programme complements Science, IT, Math, Geography, English Language, Visual Arts, and Industrial Technology just to name a few. Lesson plans are modified to incorporate the drone as a learning tool, assessments, and learning outcomes aligned with national education standards and real-world applications making it easier for teachers to adopt and sustain,” McKellop said.