How do NASA, STEM and PBL prepare the 21st century learner?

To briefly review the topic of the 21^st century learner; they are someone that will need to be agile and able to adapt to an ever changing world, will need to be competent at using several forms of technology and social media, able to conduct online research to find information, and be a logical critical thinker that can creatively problem-solve. Considering this list, NASA, STEM, and PBL are all individually unique yet together contain commonality in their goal of preparing leaners for their encounters with the 21^st century.

PBL is a method of not only identifying a problem, but determining the best and most efficient way to find a solution; much like when a light fixture in your breaks and you are trying to fix it. STEM is a multi-discipline method of understanding through questioning and investigating; similar to figuring out how it is supposed to work, the measurements, tools needed, and procedure to fix it. NASA is a phenomenal organization for science/technology information; just like a hardware store is a great place to do find home improvement renovations tools and get advice on your project. When the light fixture breaks you come up with a plan to fix it, figure out what you need to do, the go to Lowe’s to get what you need to finish the job. I believe that these three entities work in somewhat of a similar fashion. They can all help to increase efficiency in problem solving using intellect, critical thinking and some creativity.

The problems that this year’s kindergarteners will face in 2067 will obviously be more complex than a simple light fixture in their home; however, the process is relatively similar. They will need to identify the causation of certain problems and be able to design ways to most efficiently solve them using the best tools at their disposal. It is our job as educators to make sure that they have these abilities so that once they are the ones making decisions and solving problems they will construct plans that moral, environmentally conscious, economical, and proficient.