Class activity: Build your own Insect inspired drone
In this activity learners will use a design approach to explore how insects inspire small drones. Begin by showing learners pictures or videos of insects hovering, like bees or dragonflies, and discuss how their wings move to help them stay in the air. Then give learners materials like straws, paper, small rubber bands, and tape to build a simple “flapping wing” model. Learners can experiment with different wing shapes and sizes to see which designs move best when they blow on them or flick them gently. After testing, discuss how changing wing design affects movement and how engineers use these ideas to build micro drones that can hover and fly like insects.
What you will need:
-straws, paper, tape and rubber bands
-Scissors
-Open space
This activity promotes creativity, problem-solving and hands-on construction while showing learners how studying insects can lead to advanced technology innovations