U S Department of Energy : Supporting STEM is an Investment in our Future

Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'The future depends on what you do today.' At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, we believe the ability to address the most challenging problems in science, energy, the environment and national security-both as a national laboratory and as a nation-depends upon our ability to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers.

DOE, PNNL, and Battelle work together to support efforts that bring educators, families and communities together to energize all students, especially females and minorities, to achieve STEM literacy. We also look to create relevant, real-world experiences to develop STEM skills. And we seek to build an awareness of how engaging STEM learning can be, while opening doors to future STEM careers.

Here's a perfect example of these concepts at work: our STEM education professionals leveraged a PNNL-developed smartphone microscope into an innovative opportunity to link scientists, educators and students. First, PNNL researchers and our STEM team made the design specs for the microscope available, free of charge, so that anyone with access to a 3D printer can make one in a matter of minutes for less than $1 each. Then, the STEM education team developed curriculum around how to make your own smartphone microscope and put it to use. On top of that, they created a fun, fast-paced video in which a PNNL researcher describes the importance of microscopy. The team also produced handy postcards with microscopes attached, ready to put into the hands of curious students.