Discover What Makes a Drone Fly

Build & Learn: How Drones Work is a hands-on youth STEM course that introduces students to the parts, technology, and basic maintenance behind modern drones.

Students will explore how motors, batteries, propellers, controllers, sensors, and other components work together to keep a drone safely in the air. They will also participate in guided activities designed to build curiosity, problem-solving skills, and confidence around drone technology.

What You'll Learn

What Students Will Learn

During this course, students will learn:
The basic parts of a drone
How drone motors create lift
How propellers control movement and direction
How batteries power a drone
How remote controllers communicate with the aircraft
Why sensors and cameras are important
How to safely inspect a drone before flight
Basic cleaning, storage, and maintenance procedures
Common reasons a drone may not fly correctly

Learning Activities

Hands-On Learning Activities

Students will have an opportunity to:
Examine a drone up close
Identify major drone components
Compare different propeller and battery types
Practice installing and removing approved components
Complete a basic preflight inspection
Learn how to recognize damaged or improperly installed parts
Participate in a short instructor-guided flight demonstration

Students will not be expected to repair advanced electronics or handle unsafe equipment. All activities are supervised by trained Smart Drone Academy instructors.

Career Skills

More Than Just Flying

Flying a drone is only one part of becoming a responsible drone operator. Understanding how the aircraft works helps students make safer decisions, identify problems, and properly care for their equipment.

This course introduces youth to skills connected to:

Science
Technology
Engineering
Aviation
Robotics
Electronics
Photography
Skilled trades
Drone careers

Safe Training

Safe, Beginner-Friendly Instruction

Smart Drone Academy uses small training drones and age-appropriate equipment for youth instruction. Safety procedures are reviewed before every activity, and participants are supervised throughout the course.

Our instructors are FAA Part 107 certified commercial drone pilots with experience in practical flight training and drone workforce development.
Smart Drone Academy was co-founded by Antoine Miller and Walter Matthews.

Who It's For

Who Is This Course For?

Build & Learn is ideal for

First-time drone students

Returning FLY30 participants

Schools and homeschool groups

Youth organizations

Recreation programs

Summer camps

Scouts and community groups

STEM clubs

Birthday and private group experiences

Continue Learning

A Natural Next Step After FLY30

Students can begin with the FLY30 First Flight Experience and continue into Build & Learn: How Drones Work to gain a better understanding of the technology behind the controls.

Together, the courses help students move from simply flying a drone to understanding how and why it works.

Group Programs