Will Israel's next UAV be built in high school? The new program at a Jerusalem school
A new program that opened for the first time in the capital will train students in the design and construction of UAVs. The track combines engineering, electronics, and computer science, and grants a technological matriculation certificate of 10 study units.
What is that up in the sky over Jerusalem? Not a bird and not a plane — it is a UAV program. The school year has begun while Israel is still facing significant military challenges. The Iron Swords war has brought defense and attack using UAVs to the forefront, and in the capital, Jerusalem, they have decided not to be left behind.
This year, a mechatronics program specializing in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) opened for the first time in the capital. This is an innovative program for building RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) that is opening at the Argentina School in the Kiryat HaYovel neighborhood.
As part of the track, students will combine engineering knowledge with practical learning within the mechatronics program, an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control to create smart and autonomous systems. The studies will culminate in a spectacular product: the actual design and construction of remotely piloted aircraft.
Studies in the program will grant graduates an expanded technological matriculation certificate of 10 study units and will prepare them for the contemporary and future technological world. The program will be led by a teacher who is a chemical engineer with a professional background in Israel Aerospace Industries, ensuring a direct connection between the classroom and practical experience from the high-tech industry.
Shiri Kochav, STEAM coordinator at the school and teacher for the chemistry and mechatronics programs, said:
"I am excited to start the year with a new mechatronics program specializing in UAVs. This program will expose children to the forefront of innovation and technology in the field of UAVs in the military and civilian sectors, and perhaps even pave the way for some of them to engage in the field in their professional future."
The programs are intended to give students tools, skills, and practical experience during their school years, opening significant opportunities for their future in academia and industry. Professional support and training are carried out in full partnership with the "Prisma" innovation center.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion added: "The new program at the Argentina School is positive and essential news for our students. The connection between theoretical studies at the highest level, practical experience from the world of high-tech and Israel Aerospace Industries, and training of 10 matriculation units gives our future generation the best tools to lead and excel. It is a great pride to see municipal education marching at the forefront of technological innovation."
