What Students Learn

Students learn how drones are used in modern search‑and‑rescue operations and discuss how technology continues to evolve to locate missing individuals more quickly and safely. Through a real case study, they examine how the Engineering Design Process guides SAR innovation and apply mathematical concepts—equilateral triangles, 60° angles, and supplementary angles—to understand how sector search patterns are designed and why they are effective when a person’s location is known with high accuracy.

What Students Do

Students code Hopper to fly a sector search pattern composed of three equilateral triangles, using taped 60° guides on the floor to plan precise rotations and distances. They calculate Hopper’s speed, determine the correct angles, and use loops to repeat the search pattern efficiently. After testing and refining their code, students can extend the activity by using Hopper’s camera to locate a hidden landing pad or by adding an additional 30°‑shifted search path.