What’s Our Sputnik?
I
enjoyed the article, “What’s Our Sputnik?” by Thomas Freidman. The author
writes in a manner that makes you consider how the United States is
progressing, in terms of innovation. I agree that our response to the Soviet
Union’s launch of a satellite into space, known as “The Great Space Race” was
the foundation of our society becoming more productive in the fields of
science, technology and engineering.
Additionally, these achievements produced the internet, more students
studying math and people generally wanting to build the nation. (Freidman,
2010)
To
re-create the excitement and financial investment in science education, our
society needs to be responsible for their own actions. I really like the
statement made by Freidman, “How can I improve myself?” Sadly, members of our
country want to blame others for their hardships. “It’s someone else’s fault!
Give me a handout!” The future of
science education begins with classroom teachers. We need to set high
expectations for all students to learn and be accountable for their choices.
This needs to be done at a local level in every school across America. I
believe that the States to create laws that hold parents accountable for being
parents. This would ensure that all children are cared for and given the opportunities
and resources to become successful. You need a license for driving, fishing,
hunting, teaching and having a dog. Parents should be required to take
parenting classes to care for children. As a Nation, we need to allocate more investments
into research, technology and design, than what is currently given.
I
researched and discovered that to date, the United States has spent $830.2
billion dollars on wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I was surprised to learn the percentages
of military and educational expenses that China and the United States allocate
from their yearly budget. China spends
18.2% on the military and 12.1% on education. The U.S. spends 19.3% on the
military and 17.1% on education. I believe that the U.S. needs to stress the
importance of education and STEM careers and use this money wisely for the
benefit of our country and its future.
References:
Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17).
What’s our Sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East
Coast)], p. WK.8.
