DroneBlocks and InnovatED STEM are proud to announce the launch of Robotics 101: Land. Air. Sea., a full-year, project-based robotics curriculum designed to empower middle and high school students through real-world engineering, coding, and problem-solving challenges.

This innovative robotics program blends classroom learning with physical computing, giving students direct access to land rovers, programmable drones, and underwater ROVs—backed by a standards-aligned curriculum developed by a team of award-winning educators, engineers, and researchers.

🌟 Why Robotics 101 is a Game-Changer for STEM Classrooms

Today’s students need more than theory—they need hands-on experiences that build 21st-century skills. Robotics 101 brings STEM to life by guiding students through authentic engineering projects that mirror the challenges professionals face in the fields of robotics, marine science, aerospace, and computer science.

What makes this program so powerful?

✅ Multi-domain robotics education (Land, Air, Sea)
✅ Real-world tools like the ground robots, Crazyflie drone, and custom-built underwater ROVs
✅ Comprehensive coding instruction in Block and Python languages
✅ NGSS and CSTA standards-aligned curriculum
✅ Capstone project development to showcase student innovation
✅ Designed by educators, for educators—with pacing guides, assessments, and flexible implementation options

📚 What’s Included in the Robotics 101 Program?

When you implement Robotics 101: Land. Air. Sea., you’re not just getting a robotics kit—you’re unlocking an entire ecosystem of learning. Each component of the course builds on the last, allowing students to develop core skills across physics, engineering, data science, and programming.

🎒 Complete Curriculum Package Includes:

• Full-year digital curriculum access
• Detailed lesson plans and student-facing materials
• Assessments, quizzes, and rubrics
• DroneBlocks programming platform access
• Robotics kits for land, aerial, and underwater use
• Teacher training & support materials

🧭 Curriculum Overview

🚗 Quarter 1: Land Robotics

Students start their robotics journey with the ground robot, exploring coding with Python, Raspberry Pi navigation, TurtleSim, motion physics, and LIDAR-based obstacle avoidance. The unit ends with students designing and testing their own autonomous land robots.

🛸 Quarter 2: Aerial Drones

This quarter takes to the skies. Students explore the science of flight, program autonomous missions using Crazyflie drones, gather sensor data with Databot 2.0, and navigate aerial obstacle courses. The quarter culminates with a student-designed Drone Golf challenge.

🌊 Quarter 3: Underwater ROVs

Students go hands-on building, wiring, and waterproofing real ROVs. They learn about buoyancy, propulsion, environmental sensors, and collect scientific data from real and simulated underwater environments. By the end, each student has constructed a fully functional submersible robot.

🎓 Quarter 4: Capstone Project

In the final stretch, students pitch original ideas and build custom robotic systems inspired by the domain that inspired them most—land, air, or sea. This capstone experience fosters independent research, creative engineering, and public presentation skills.

👨‍🏫 Developed by STEM Education Leaders

Robotics 101 was designed in collaboration with InnovatED STEM, a powerhouse team of educators and researchers, including:

• Frederick Feraco – STEM educator, software engineer, and drone education pioneer
• John Karavias – Marine biology expert and field science researcher
• David Herbert – Project Lead the Way veteran and competitive robotics coach
• Dr. Robert Krakehl – Physics researcher and advocate for equitable science education

With decades of combined experience in STEM classrooms, research labs, and engineering design, this team brings unmatched depth and practical insight into every unit.

🚀 Ready to Bring Real-World Robotics to Your Classroom?

Whether you’re a seasoned STEM teacher or just starting your robotics journey, Robotics 101: Land. Air. Sea. offers everything you need to deliver a powerful, standards-based experience that sparks curiosity and builds real-world skills.