This Connected article features three examples of how drones are used in industries:
- protecting black rhinos from poachers in South Africa
- mappings mines in Australia to measure how much material is being processed
- applying precision pesticides in New Zealand to combat introduced pests.
In addition, the article contains technological information about drone components and how specific drones have unique capabilities that allow them to work in difficult terrain. The article also has diagrams that will be useful for helping students practise the science capability interpret representations.
Teacher support material
Check your school resource area for the article from the 2019 level 3 Connected journal Shifting Views, download it as a Google slide presentation or order it from the Ministry of Education.
The teacher support material (TSM) can be downloaded from TKI (Word and PDF files). It has two technological learning activities – Diving deeper into drones and Questioning our use of drones – along with resource links.
Related content
Two of the examples in this article use drones developed by Aeronavics. Discover its origins and how the company has gone from strength to strength.
Drones are also being used to monitor marine environments and map the recovery of kelp forests.
In this video, discover how these specially designed drones are being used to find, follow and provide information to protect the highly endangered Māui dolphin.
There are concerns about the invasive nature of drones. The ethics thinking toolkit has resources to support discussion and informed decision making regarding ethical issues.
On the other hand, there are exciting future possibilities for drone technology. The futures thinking toolkit provides a structured framework for developing students’ future thinking skills.
Useful links
The Connected journals can be ordered from the Down the Back of the Chair website. Access to these resources is restricted to Ministry-approved education providers. To find out if you are eligible for a login or if you have forgotten your login details, contact their customer services team on 0800 660 662 or email orders@thechair.minedu.govt.nz.
Acknowledgement
The Connected series is published annually by the Ministry of Education, New Zealand.
