Rocket Drones is proud to partner with STEM.org, America’s pioneering STEM education research and credentialing organization. This partnership is more than a collaboration; it is a validation of our commitment to quality. When you see the STEM.org trustmark on our programs, you know they have been independently evaluated against rigorous, evidence-based standards. This credentialing ensures that schools, educators, and parents can be confident they are investing in a world-class drone STEM curriculum.
About STEM.org
Founded in 2001, STEM.org Educational Research™ is the longest continuously-operating STEM credentialing entity in the United States. With a mission to establish clear quality benchmarks for STEM education, the organization has a global reach, impacting over 142,500 students and 14,000 educators across more than 80 countries. Their work has been so influential that it earned a commendation from the U.S. Senate. Through partnerships with respected institutions like the Smithsonian, Disney, and Nike, STEM.org has become the gold standard for third-party STEM validation.
The STEM.org Trustmark System
STEM.org provides a clear framework for identifying excellence in STEM education through its distinct trustmarks. This system is known for its rigor; for example, only about 74.8% of products submitted for authentication pass the 100-point rubric, compared to the 95%+ pass rates at other award programs. This ensures that only the best programs earn a seal.
- **STEM.org Certified™:** A STEM education certification for people, primarily educators. This online training provides over 1,000 pages of resources to empower teachers.
- **STEM.org Accredited™:** For programs, including school curricula and camps. This mark signifies that a program’s structure and content meet the highest standards.
- **STEM.org Authenticated™:** For products like technology kits and educational toys. This seal verifies that a product effectively supports hands-on STEM learning.
- **STEM.org Reviewed™:** For publishers and curriculum materials, ensuring educational content is accurate and effective.
All credentials issued by STEM.org are secured on a blockchain, making them publicly verifiable and impossible to falsify. This provides an unbiased, transparent measure of quality.
What This Means for Schools
For administrators, curriculum directors, and grant writers, the STEM.org trustmark is a powerful signal. It immediately communicates that a program has undergone a thorough, unbiased evaluation against evidence-based benchmarks. This third-party validation reduces the risk when adopting new curriculum and technology. It demonstrates a commitment to quality that resonates with grant committees and parents alike. Furthermore, the STEM credentialing process is not a one-time event. It requires an ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous improvement to maintain the credential, ensuring programs remain current and effective.
Drones and STEM.org Standards
Drone education is the ideal platform for interdisciplinary STEM learning, which is why it aligns so perfectly with STEM.org‘s criteria. Our programs naturally span all four disciplines:
- Science: Aerodynamics, weather, and physics of flight.
- Technology: Flight control software, sensors, and data transmission.
- Engineering: Problem-solving, design thinking, and equipment maintenance.
- Math: Navigation, data analysis, and flight trajectory calculations.
The hands-on, project-based nature of our [School Programs] and [Drone STEM Kits] meets the core requirements that STEM.org looks for. Our focus on career pathways, especially through our [Part 107 Course], adds a layer of real-world relevance that connects classroom learning directly to industry outcomes—a key value for STEM.org.
The STEM.org trustmark signals quality, rigor, and a commitment to authentic student learning. It is your assurance that you are providing students with an educational experience that will prepare them for the exciting and challenging careers of tomorrow.