What Students Learn

Students learn how rotational grazing works and why farmers divide pastures into paddocks to protect vegetation and improve soil health. They discuss how drones help monitor forage conditions, track herd movement, and support sustainable livestock practices. Through a real case study, they examine how the Engineering Design Process guides agricultural innovation and how visual data—like grass height—can inform grazing decisions across a full month.

What Students Do

Students work in teams as RPIC, navigator, and visual observers to fly Hopper over a simulated 400‑acre pasture divided into six paddocks. Using Hopper’s camera, the navigator identifies the color-coded landing pads that represent switchgrass height ranges. After collecting data, students complete a rotational grazing chart for April 2025, determining which paddocks should be grazed or rested based on vegetation height and regrowth timelines. An optional extension challenges them to continue the plan into future months.