Before You Begin

This unit completes students' exploration of the different modules available for the VEX AIR Drone as they focus on the Motorized Hook Module. Students learn how to pick up, transport, and drop orbit balls with the drone and VEX AIR Drone Controller. In addition to piloting skills, students will add to their knowledge of drone maintenance, including how to inspect and replace landing feet and ensure the hook is securely attached and functioning properly.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify that the Motorized Hook Module has a mechanism to lower and raise the hook and pick up objects.
• Demonstrate how to pick up and drop orbit balls with the Motorized Hook Module using the VEX AIR Drone Controller.
• Demonstrate controlled pickup and drop off of orbit balls during flight.
• Identify how to change landing feet on the drone.
• Identify how to attach the hook to the Motorized Hook Module.

Environment Setup and Materials

Ensure that your flight area is marked and labeled, and that students know the safety procedures for your space. Use the following articles to help you as you set up your space and ready your students for flight.

• Setting Up Your Classroom for Safe Flight with VEX AIR — This article gives recommendations for creating a safe flight area in your space, and environment considerations to support safe flight sessions.
• Classroom Management for Teaching with the VEX AIR Drone — This article provides roles and responsibilities for before, during, and after flight.

Students will need access to the contents of their VEX AIR Kit for this unit, including charged batteries. For more information about charging batteries, see this article.

In this unit, students will fly the drone to pick up and drop off orbit balls using the Motorized Hook Module. Ensure that you have the following for your flight area:

• 2 orbit balls
• 2 pickup locations for orbit balls
  • If you have the VEX AIR Drone Competition Field Kit, use the provided plates or the Long or Short Racks.
  • If you have the VEX AIR Classroom Bundle, use the Field Plates. 
• 2 drop-off locations for orbit balls
  • If you have the VEX AIR Drone Competition Field Kit, use the Drop Tower Goals.
  • If you do not have this kit, use a tall container, such as a crate or box.

Note: Be sure the pickup and drop-off zones are securely weighed down or anchored to the ground so that air turbulence from the propellers (or downwash) does not affect the area.

Standards Alignment

Common Core English Language Arts (CCSS ELA)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.6 - Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10/11-12.3 - Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10/11-12.4 - Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grade level topics.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

• Empowered Learner – 1.1.c – Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
• Knowledge Constructor – 1.3.d – Students build knowledge by exploring real-world issues and gain experience in applying their learning in authentic settings.
• Global Collaborator - 1.7.c - Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal. 

Reinforce these terms, as well as those from Units 5 and 6, by encouraging students to describe their flights. Hearing and using vocabulary in context helps deepen understanding and supports students in applying concepts more accurately over time.