Description:

From aerial videos of natural disasters to stealthy behind-the-lines views of military movements and spectacular nature cinematography, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide a safe and cost- effective means to enhance the visual experience and capture new vantage points of the world around us.

This quarter-long class combines drone technologies with photography and videography for an integrated STEM skillset that can serve as a hobby or career. This course provides an introduction to drone safety and operation, including the crucial TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certification required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for recreational UAS operations. Students will learn the distinctions between recreational and commercial drone use and delve into vital topics such as LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) and RID (Remote Identification) that are essential for the safe and creative operation of drones for photography and videography.

This class also places an emphasis on capturing high-quality footage with a drone for content production. By the end of the quarter, students will possess the skills, knowledge, TRUST certification, and a solid understanding of the fundamentals of content creation. Students will complete a videography project that they plan, storyboard, film, and edit.

There are no prerequisites for this class, making it an ideal starting point for young drone enthusiasts. The course instructor holds FAA certification and has a background in film and
television production. Because of Compass's proximity to Dulles airport and location within controlled airspace, drones cannot be flown at Compass nor operated indoors. Concepts will be covered in class, and students will have weekly assignments to accomplish outside of class in accordance following the recreational and academic drone use guidelines, laws and regulations.

The instructor will have drones to loan to students. To check-out a drone, a parent or guardian must sign a form accepting financial and legal responsibility for the drone and provide a refundable deposit. Alternatively, students may use their own camera-capable drone. The class size is limited to 8 students because of the number of available drones, and the class is being offered both 3rd quarter and 4th quarter (select one).