Middle school students take to the skies piloting drones, coding flight paths, and tackling real-world missions. They collect and analyze data, document their progress in journals, and defend their game strategies in team interviews.
Every competition includes teamwork missions where students are paired with teams from other robotics clubs, fostering quick collaboration. Strategy is key as teams plan each move to earn points and outmaneuver their opponents. Along the way, they sharpen problem-solving, communication, leadership, and adaptability. They also gain a strong foundation in flight science and drone technology.
Students put their skills to the test in regional competitions with some moving on to the national championships. Each season brings a new mission theme. Watch the video below to see the mission in action.
The Aerial Drone Competition, organized by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation, was launched in 2021 to bring STEM learning to the rapidly growing field of drone technology. Backed by a structured curriculum and clear competition framework, the program helps students build technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills in a supportive, competitive setting. Events are held across the United States at local, regional, and national levels. Top teams advance to the annual Aerial Drone Championship in West Virginia.
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