An exciting Project Lead the Way (PLTW) challenge recently had students create a mock disaster zone and simulate a Search and Rescue event using drones and robotics - putting their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technology know-how to the test. 

As part of the challenge, students in Mrs. Inglis's class designed and implemented a collaborative system where drones and ground robots worked together to locate and assist “victims” after a simulated natural disaster. The class used dolls to represent individuals in need of rescue, placing them in a mock disaster zone that mirrored real-world emergency conditions.

The mission began in the sky: a student-piloted drone flew over the area, capturing real-time aerial footage of the scene. That data was then transmitted to a classmate operating a ground-based robot, who analyzed the images to pinpoint the location of each “victim.” With the coordinates identified, the robot was remotely navigated to the site, where it successfully retrieved the doll—completing the simulated rescue.

This high-tech exercise wasn’t just a demonstration of innovation—it showcased the real-world potential of drone-robot teamwork in improving response times and safety during critical emergencies. Students explored how emerging technologies can be used to save lives, combining engineering, coding, and collaborative strategy in a way that reflects HHCA’s commitment to inquiry-based, purpose-driven education.

To deepen their understanding, students then had the unique opportunity to engage with Beaufort County’s Heavy Rescue team to learn about Beaufort County's emergency response protocols. The professionals shared insights from real-life search and rescue operations, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the heroic and highly technical work that takes place in disaster response scenarios.

This immersive experience not only brought STEM concepts to life—it inspired HHCA students to consider how their learning today can lead to life-changing impact tomorrow.