The Design Club Drone Project

Elspeth’s Odyssey - The Design Club Drone Project Nestled inconspicuously on a shelf within a Technologies classroom lies a surprising, modern Object of Substance, an artifact, a small piece representative of a moment in time in the recent history of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. In it, tradition meets the ever-pressing future. “The drone project” developed by a group of 2019 Design Club students (Julie Lu 2021, Poppy Davison 2021, Dain Kim 2021, Francesca Arcibal 2021, Joanna Hyslop 2021, and Georgia Docherty 2021) stands as an example of innovation and student-led exploration. This project, more than just an after-school activity, represents the spirit of inquiry and the convergence of the school’s most contemporary technology tools into a rich learning experience.

2018 Three of the students who worked on Elspeth's Odyssey Left to right – Joanna Hyslop, Poppy Davison and Georgia Docherty

The initiation of the drone project evolved during the peak of makerspaces in education movement. It embodied the convergence of new technologies such as small form factor 3D printing, consumer electronics, open-source programming platforms, and rapid prototyping—a blend of technologies born out of the curious minds at Brisbane Girls Grammar with questions and statements like: “I wonder if we could? “or “Wouldn’t it be awesome to...” "The drone project I participated in was my first taste of collaborative project work, igniting my passion for technology and opening my eyes to opportunity and innovation. It proved that with collective minds, we can bring to life even the most initially daunting challenges." – Julie Lu (2021) This endeavour extended beyond the mere adoption of innovative technologies; it was a tangible manifestation of the ethos: "Life-wide learning," a principle vividly enshrined on the Creative Learning Centre wall, just metres from the very workshop where the drone was built. Today, the

slightly dusty artefact is a subtle and understated affirmation of our dedication to an educational experience that prepares young women to step into their global futures.

Elspeth in production.

Embarking on this venture, the students encountered a multifaceted learning experience. From the initial design phase to the final flight, the project was a deep dive into the facets of research, design, prototyping, and manufacturing. Each soldered wire, each 3D printed prototype, each line of code, and every test flight was one step closer towards realising their goal: to build and fly a functional drone.

3D Printer: Used for rapid prototyping and development.

Elspeth's Odyssey v1

One of the most memorable moments in this journey was an early test flight that ended with the drone's crash in the green expanse of Victoria Park. This incident, far from being a setback, served as a critical learning point. Despite achieving lift-off, controlling the drone proved challenging, and it soon met a grassy demise, illustrating the delicate balance between theory and practice.

A grassy demise

Iterative Prototyping (v1 and v2)

The crash was a testament to the iterative process of design and development. A few weeks later, a new printed chassis and a revisit to the art of soldering meant the second prototype was ready to fly. The drone was reborn.

2024 Elspeth’s Odyssey v3

Despite some technical challenges, such as achieving stable flight and managing the drone's tendency to list in one direction whilst managing the stresses of senior study, the students' made steady progress and celebrated small successes. The project was a practical lesson in resilience, problem-solving, and the joy of collaborative achievement. Their newfound confidence in prototype development meant it took considerable dissuasion to encourage the girls to not crash the drone on purpose.

While the drone project culminated with the departure of the majority its creators in 2020/21, its impact resonated beyond its physical lifespan. It left behind a legacy of innovation and a narrative of student empowerment that aligns with the core values of “stewardship and belonging”. Images of the drone are emblazoned on the Clubs Minerva (intranet) page sparking curiosity amongst our current design club students. Design Club was originally called Design and Technology Club originated in 2017 as a means of organising students who were all pursuing different interests in relation to Technologies such as Robotics, Laser cutting, and Multimedia. The group was renamed Design Club in 2018 when most girls engaged in design-specific projects. The drone's story is an illustration of how Brisbane Girls Grammar fosters an environment that encourages students to explore, innovate, and learn from both successes and setbacks. It underscores the importance of nurturing a purposeful community engaged in meaningful projects that extend learning beyond the classroom. When asked to write this Objects article, a question was posed to me asking if we had a nickname for our drone. Surprisingly, the girls had not named her. There seemed to be an understanding, however, that the drone was female! It seems only fitting to me that her name should be Elspeth, in memory of Elspeth Gordon-Brown (1982), a Grammar woman who loved to fly. Elspeth’s Odyssey, with its blend of creativity, technology, and perseverance, is a microcosm of a Technologies education at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Moving forward into that ever-pressing future, Elspeth’s Odyssey symbolises our commitment to preparing students for new challenges. It reinforces the belief that Co-Curriculum has an important role in fostering curiosity, wisdom, and creativity, helping students make a positive contribution to their world. The sky’s the limit!

Shane Skillen Head of Learning Innovation and Design Technologies