Welcome!
Congratulations, and thank you for your interest the Aerial Drone Competition. As the world grows increasingly complex the need for individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle tough problems by gathering information, evaluating it, and presenting effective solutions continues to increase. Still, relatively few students are proficient in the core subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and even fewer express interest in pursuing these fields beyond high school. Increasingly, educators and students alike seek hands-on, sustainable, and cost-effective approaches to help engage young people and maintain their interest in STEM in elementary school, middle school, high school, and beyond. Your willingness to be part of our community is the next step in solving the STEM problem!
The intention of our articles is to prepare you for the Competition season.
About the REC Foundation
Mission: To provide every educator with competition, education, and workforce readiness programs to increase student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science.
The Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (REC Foundation) competition programs include Aerial Drone Competition, VEX IQ Robotics Competition, VEX V5 Robotics Competition, VEX U Robotics Competition, VEX AI Robotics Competition and Factory Automation Competitions. Competition Teams are associated with public schools, private schools, after school groups, home school groups, scouting groups, 4-H groups, and other youth groups. The role of the REC Foundation in these Competitions is organizing and supporting teams and events.
The REC Foundation is committed to engaging every student, especially those in underserved populations, in the pursuit of STEM education and careers to prepare them for the challenges and demands of the future workforce. As part of this commitment, special initiatives of the Foundation are designed specifically to impact these underrepresented populations.
REC Foundation Program team registration allows your teams to compete at local events, post scores on the Skills scoreboard, and work to qualify to compete at Regional Championships. Registered teams and their associated adult contacts also gain access to a wide range of benefits and resources to expand their activities and knowledge, including a dedicated Regional Support Manager who works to bring a successful season to everyone in their region.
About the Aerial Drone Competition
The REC Foundation's Aerial Drone Competition is more than just an exciting sporting event; it's an educational powerhouse that cultivates the next generation of innovators. This program provides a unique hands-on learning experience for middle and high school students, fostering crucial STEM skills like drone piloting, programming, and problem-solving. Students don't just learn about drones – they become masters in collaborating effectively, honing communication skills, and building the resilience needed to tackle future challenges. The competition environment mirrors the real world, requiring teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation to navigate game challenges. This fosters a deep understanding of flight principles, documentation, and interpersonal skills, all while igniting a passion for drone-related careers. By sponsoring the Aerial Drone Competition, you are not just supporting a STEM competition; you're investing in a program that equips students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in tomorrow's workforce.
The Aerial Drone Competition is recommended for students in grades 5-12. Students compete in four Missions.
Teamwork Mission
Two Drone Teams compete as an Alliance in 90-second Matches, working collaboratively to score points on a field approximately 20’x20’.
Autonomous Flight Skills Mission
A Drone is programmed by Students to operate entirely autonomously earning points to complete as tasks. Each Team will be given the opportunity to have 2 five minute sessions at the field to complete up to three Autonomous Flight Skills Mission runs each session.
Piloting Skills Mission
A Drone is Piloted by Students to fly through an obstacle course. Teams compete alone to score as many points as possible by flight through, under and around obstacles. Each Mission is 60 seconds and Teams will have 2 opportunities at each competition.
Communications Mission
During the Communications Mission, Teams will interview with judges to answer questions about their Team, Drone, programming, and competition logbook documentation.
You will find the rules that shape the Aerial Drone Competition are balanced to promote fair play while encouraging students to challenge themselves and each other. This competition is designed to emphasize teamwork, spur innovation, and, overall, be fun. We believe the skills introduced and developed in the Aerial Drone Competition will help students learn to overcome any obstacle presented to them.
About our Drone Partners
Our partners design, produce, distribute, and support all the hardware, software, and game elements for the Aerial Drone Competition. Our partners include:
- Robolink: Ordering, support and curriculum for an official Aerial Drone Competition drone, the CoDrone EDU
- Drone Competition Gates: Ordering and support for official Aerial Drone Competition competition fields, game elements, and trophies
Welcome to the Aerial Drone Competition Community. We will see you in the Flight Zone soon!