RSU will host the eighth annual AeroGames drone competition later this month.
Slated for March 28, AeroGames is a design, build, and fly drone competition created to immerse students in STEM learning through hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving.
This annual event challenges participants to engineer, construct, and pilot drones, reinforcing key concepts in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science in an engaging and applied manner.
According to Dr. Curtis Sparling, event coordinator and head of RSU’s Department of Technology and Justice Studies, this competition exposes students to drone technology while also exploring potential career paths in engineering, aviation and robotics.
“This competition is truly designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and a passion for STEM, helping to inspire the next generation of problem solvers and industry leaders,” Sparling said. “Additionally, AeroGames provides a unique opportunity for our university learners to interact with these future STEM professionals. This is important because it allows our students to mentor and encourage younger learners, helping bridge the gap between secondary and higher education. These connections not only strengthen our STEM community but also create a pipeline for students to seamlessly transition into higher education and, ultimately, into STEM careers.”
Twenty-five teams, consisting of more than 185 competitors from 17 northeast Oklahoma high schools and junior high schools, are scheduled to participate in the event. The competition is specifically designed for junior high and high school students, giving them a unique opportunity to develop critical thinking, teamwork and technical skills in a fun, interactive setting.
The AeroGames drone competition will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center at RSU’s Claremore campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about degree options in RSU’s Department of Technology and Justice Studies or learn more about AeroGames.