The integration of STEM design activities at the earliest stages of education

This paper outlines the importance of hands-on design activities towards the cultivation of future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as viewed through the perspective of a research scientist and non-educator. Today's unparalleled access to data and information has begun to undermine the discipline required to solve tough design problems independently so that when students later encounter real research they are ill prepared for the process. Design activities offer the means to inspire and motivate young K-12 students while immersing them into the exciting action of science discovery. Simple guidelines for the strategy and execution of design activities are presented as well as the observed benefits of such implementation.