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Deschool’s Medical Drones Program Took Off at Upper Canada College: How STEM Innovation Prepares Students to Solve the World's Biggest Problems

At Deschool, we’re passionate about offering students cutting-edge experiences that bring real-world technologies to the classroom. Our Medical Drones Delivery Program at Upper Canada College was a perfect example of this mission in action. Led by Deschool’s drone scientist, Brie O'Sullivan, the program explored the incredible role drones play in medical deliveries across the globe. With engaging lessons and hands-on flying experience, students dove into the latest technological advancements that are already reshaping industries today.

How Drones Are Transforming Healthcare

One of the standout topics in the workshop was how drones are already being used to deliver Covid-19 vaccines in Ghana. Brie shared an inspiring case study where drones bypassed transportation barriers, delivering vaccines to remote regions in record time. The students were fascinated by how drones could overcome obstacles like poor infrastructure and save lives during the pandemic. This real-world application made drone technology more than just a concept—it became a practical solution to global challenges.

Similarly, Brie highlighted a case closer to home: Moose Factory Island in Ontario This community faces significant challenges with transporting medical supplies during the fall and spring when the river can’t be crossed by either boats or vehicles. In these critical months, drones are now filling the gap, providing a reliable and cost-effective method of transporting emergency medications and vaccines. Students were particularly interested in the idea of using technology to address local transportation issues.

World’s First Drone-Delivered Lungs in Toronto

Brie also wowed students with an incredible story from Toronto General Hospital, where, in 2021, the world’s first lung transplant via drone was completed. The drone carried the lungs from one hospital to another in just five minutes, saving precious time compared to traditional transport by car. This case was a clear example of how drones are not just futuristic toys—they are essential tools already improving healthcare efficiency and saving lives.

This demonstration of speed, precision, and reliability had students thinking about the future of organ transportation and how drone technology could play an increasingly critical role in medical logistics.

Creative Drone Applications Beyond Healthcare

Brie didn’t stop at medical deliveries. She shared other fascinating drone uses, like mangrove seeding in Panama, where drones are employed for environmental conservation. The program explored how these multirotor drones drop mangrove propagules to help restore ecosystems, giving students insight into how the same technology can serve both health and environmental causes.

Another exciting project came from Fiji, where drones are being used to fight mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. By releasing bacteria-infected mosquitoes that prevent the spread of diseases, drones are helping communities stay healthy in a cost-effective way. Students were particularly intrigued by the creativity behind using drones to solve public health challenges.

Hands-On Drone Flying Experience

Beyond just hearing about drones, students at Upper Canada College had the incredible opportunity to meet scientist Brie in person, ask her questions, and even fly a drone with her on their school grounds. Under Brie's expert guidance, they learned the technicalities of flying multirotor drones, putting their newly acquired knowledge into action. This hands-on session brought the technology to life, making it both tangible and accessible while cementing their understanding of drone functionality in real-world applications.

A Message to Schools: Bring Deschool’s Medical Drones Program to Your Classroom!

The Medical Drones Delivery Workshop was an undeniable success, with students walking away inspired and informed about the future of drone technology. The program gave them a window into real-world STEM advancements, encouraging them to think critically about how technology can solve global problems.

At Deschool, we’re excited to bring this dynamic and engaging workshop to more schools. If you’re a teacher or principal looking to inspire your students with hands-on learning and the latest in technology, we’d love to partner with you. Contact us today to book this and other exciting programs for your school. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers!