What's Our Sputnik?

For Week Two of the course Looking into the Future of Science and Education, I read an editorial by Thomas Friedman.  The editorial titled “What’s Our Sputnik?” investigates the current state of the country as it relates of our “national project” ().  The article alludes to the fact that there is no cohesive “national project”.    Why is that?  Personally, I believe it is because there is no national pride or cohesion between the millions of people that call America their home.  There are too many issues dividing us, creating divisions that are only hindering the nation, especially as it relates to STEM areas.  The newest STEM breakthroughs are swept under the carpet, replaced by reality stars getting married and politicians arguing about something minute.   People are impatient, wanting results instantaneously; there is no desire for hard work and effort.  There is a comfort level.  Society is not willing to rock the boat, something necessary for innovations to take place.

What will it take for us a country to get back to the excitement of discovery?  I am truly afraid that the country as a whole will have to suffer greatly.   Historically, true American innovation has occurred following great adversity.  For example, countless technological and scientific strides were made after the Great Depression.  The Depression drew Americans closer together as a country, allowing these developments to take place.

Also, we must demonstrate to our children that sports, rapping, and acting is not the only avenues for success.  I often tell my students that these may pay highly in the beginning, but rarely result in a long term career that can be expected to last.  Through study and hard work, students can earn a degree in a productive, practical career that will provide for them, and, in turn, provide for the country.

Where is our Sputnik?  What is it?  Who has it?  These are questions that I cannot answer.  However, something, this Sputnik, must occur before Americans awaken from the miasma that has fogged our minds.  Until then, I fear that education will continue to be game to politicians, and the losers will be the students.