The Utilization of Drones as a Catalyst for Igniting Passion in STEM Education in Malaysia

The utilization of drone technology, commonly seen in applications ranging from recreational photography to commercial crop spraying in Malaysia, has revolutionized various sectors. Despite its widespread application, the general public’s interaction with drones remains limited. To address this gap and promote STEM education in Malaysia, an initiative involving drones as an educational tool was undertaken in 2023. Prior to the event, a survey was conducted among 433 individuals, comprising 385 students and 48 teachers, to ascertain their preferences for types of activities. The results indicated a strong preference for hands-on workshops, with 88% of teachers and 79% of students expressing this interest. In terms of desired outcomes, teachers and students alike sought an understanding of concepts and technologies in STEM (79% of teachers, 81% of students), practical skills through workshops or hands-on activities (85% of teachers, 70% of students), and experience and exposure to STEM applications (81% of teachers, 67% of students). This data underscores the significant demand for experiential and practical learning approaches in STEM education. As part of this endeavor, three instructional workshops were conducted in schools, collectively involving 340 students, and were integrated into the Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF) as STEM outreach events. Additionally, a hands-on drone session was organized at The Mines Exhibition Hall during the main event of KLESF, spanning over three days. During these interactive workshops, students were immersed in practical drone operations, including take-off, obstacle navigation, flight to predetermined locations, and precise landings. A survey conducted among 28 participants from the school outreach workshops revealed that 89.28% rated the workshop above average in enhancing students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Furthermore, among the surveyed participants, 96.40% perceived the content as being appropriately tailored for workshop attendees. This paper highlights the significant potential of drones in stimulating interest and providing practical insights into STEM disciplines among school students in Malaysia.