Lesson Plan - Are Drones Too Dangerous?

Watch the Video
Watch the video “Drone Zone,” then discuss: What are some of the ways drones are used today? Why are some people concerned about drones? 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• aerial
• enforcement

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how drones can be both helpful and harmful.

1. What are some of the rules for drones set by the Federal Aviation Administration?
One rule set by the Federal Aviation Administration is that drones must stay within the user’s sight. Another is that they should not be flown near airports or emergency vehicles.
^{(RI.4.2 Main Idea and Key Details)}

2. How does the author support the argument that during a search and rescue mission, drones can cover large areas faster than humans can?
The author supports the argument that drones can cover large areas faster than humans can by sharing an example of a recent search and rescue training exercise in which Timothy Danley participated. It says, “Danley hid a hat and backpack in a 20-acre patch of wilderness. . . . Using a drone, his team found the items in less than 10 minutes.”
^{(RI.4.1 Text Evidence)}

3. Why does the author mention a wildfire in California?
The author mentions the wildfire in California as part of an anecdote showing that drones can sometimes interfere with aircraft. The article explains that “someone lost control of their drone. It crashed into a firefighting plane, leaving a hole in the wing.
^{(RI.4.8 Author’s Purpose)}

FEATURED SKILL: Reading a Timeline
Distribute the skill builder “Flying Into History” to read a timeline of some major events in the history of drones.
^{(RI.4.7 Text Features)}