What STEM-related breakthroughs would you like to see happen within your lifetime?

STEMgineer’s Guide to Problem Solving Workbooks

Just in the past century, there have been many STEM breakthroughs that have completely changed how we think, learn, and communicate. Flying across the world, landing on the Moon, and communicating instantly across continents were once only dreams. Today’s students will drive the next great innovations of this century. Here are our ideas for a few STEM breakthroughs that we would like to witness.

Exploring New Frontiers Beyond Earth

One exciting possibility is space exploration and colonization. Scientists are working on returning humans to the Moon and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. NASA’s Artemis missions are intended to further explore the Moon with the hope that lunar discoveries will help make a mission to Mars possible. If exploring the Moon leads to major breakthroughs, we could create permanent lunar bases, similar to the International Space Station (ISS) that currently orbits Earth. Living on the Moon takes us one step closer to building a colony on Mars, which would certainly be a century-defining breakthrough if it happened. 

Imagining the Future of Life in Space

To live on another planet, we would need many innovations to survive. Engineers would need to design durable habitats to protect humanity from Mars’s harsh atmosphere and environment. We would also need ways to grow food in Martian soil and under completely different atmospheric conditions. Transportation would look very different on another planet since there is less gravity. Even simple activities, like playing sports, would look very different in lower gravity.

How Big Breakthroughs Lead to Even Bigger Discoveries

Scientific breakthroughs often create opportunities for discoveries we never expected. Exploring other planets could advance our understanding of the universe or help us find new materials or lifeforms. The technology that helped us land on the Moon eventually led to GPS and personal computers. Throughout history, curiosity-driven exploration has led to innovations that benefit society in unexpected ways.

Today’s Students Will Build Tomorrow’s Innovations

Achieving future milestones, like building colonies on other planets, will require scientists, engineers, programmers, and mathematicians working together. STEM education is vital for building foundational skills that will help students make breakthroughs in the future. Students who develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills today could become the next innovators who change our understanding of the world or the universe. 

Looking Ahead to the Next STEM Discovery

While no one knows exactly what the next major STEM breakthrough will be, we know that every advancement begins with curiosity. Whether it’s colonizing Mars, discovering new technologies, or solving global challenges, the innovators of tomorrow are building a foundation in STEM right now. Tomorrow’s STEM breakthroughs will belong to the next generation of explorers, inventors, and problem-solvers. 

Read more deep dives from STEM to Stern at the links below.

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