Drones have obstacle avoidance systems to reduce crashes

DRONES, from pg. 12 well, such as determining stress levels.

Reese Berg, also a junior and a member of a farming family, anticipates that drones will benefit their corn and soybean operation in terms of monitoring crop growth and checking for flooded areas. “I think it will be pretty interesting to see what we can do with it,” he stated.

With further licensing and certifications, drones can also be used for additional agricultural purposes, such as spraying chemicals and spreading fertilizer.

Moe stated the students use three different types of drones: DJI Mavic 3, Syma, and Tello EDU. The drones have obstacle avoidance, which lessens the chances for crashing. Over the semester, students have navigated the drones through an obstacle course with beginner, intermediate and expert levels for each drone. Each level has four to five maneuvers for the students to master.

“According to our research, we are one of the only schools or the only school that is doing this in-depth course,” Moe stated. “It’s been a whole new world for us,” she commented, and also added the semester has gone well. “We’ve learned a lot.”

The class has been able to assist the school in documenting history in the making. Work has begun on a new building for Red Rock Central and the drone class is lending their skills to photograph the con- struction process. At the groundbreaking event held May 3, Jake Jackson took overhead photos with one of the drones.

Map reading skills are just as important as drone flying skills when navigating unfamiliar territory. Pictured are students Jake Jackson and Reese Berg with class instructors Leonard Runck and Rachel Moe.

Red Rock Central has been consistently recognized for their efforts in education. For 14 consecutive years, their secondary program was named one of

America’s best high schools through U.S. News & World Report. In 2018, Red Rock Central Secondary School received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award.

Of course, teachers play a key part in the success of a school. This year, Moe was recognized by the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators as an Outstanding Early Career Teacher of the Year. Originally from Hayfield, Minn., she is in her third year at Red Rock Central, and previously taught in Osakis for three years. It’s important to Moe to provide variety to her students. “We try to every year have classes that really get everybody. Not just one animal science, or one area.”

Runck has been employed with Red Rock Central since 1979, but shared he’s been in the building for 54 years as he attended school there, also. Walking the hallways with Runck gave evidence of his enthusiasm and commitment to the school. With ease, he assisted a student facing a technology dilemma, pointed out new equipment that’s been recently implemented, and recognized the work of both students and staff — all while providing friendly introductions along the way. There was even a quick greeting between Runck and a second Mr. Runck, as his son also works at the school.

“He’s a staple at Red Rock,” Moe stated.

“We’re having fun,” Runck concluded. v