Making big science kid-friendly

The Star

6 days ago

TECHNOLOGICAL innovations – or the ideas driving them – are not exclusive to adults.
Children, too, can play a role in shaping these transformative tools by familiarising themselves with current scientific breakthroughs.
A new collection of articles from the open access science journal for kids Frontiers for Young Minds (FYM), published in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), gives the young a front-row seat to the innovations that could define their future.
The collection is based on the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024 report, co-published by the WEF and Frontiers.
Many of the researchers who contributed to the original expert-driven report returned to adapt their work for this new youth-focused edition.
Each article focuses on one of the 10 emerging technologies, such as carbon-capturing microbes, immersive tools for urban planning, or high-altitude platforms orbiting in the stratosphere that could enable global Internet coverage.
Tailored for a younger audience, the articles – like all FYM content – were reviewed by students aged eight to 15 around the world, who helped ensure the content was clear, relevant and engaging for their peers.
Their feedback, questions and insights shaped how these cutting-edge ideas were communicated, offering a fresh perspective on technologies that could soon reshape everyday life for tomorrow's adults and leaders.
Reviewing the report opened Hrdaya's eyes to today's breakthroughs.
'I did not know about these technologies before reviewing the report. I think they are absolutely ingenious and wonderful. Having these technologies would make life easier and more resourceful on earth,' said the 11-year-old.
Leon, age 13, who reviewed the article Feeding Farm Animals While Saving the Planet, also found the experience eye-opening.
'I was completely unfamiliar with insect- and algae-based animal feeds until reading (the) article. I thought the idea of more sustainable feeds sounds ingenious and promising, as it could address lots of important environmental issues. (If this technology) becomes the norm, (it) would make a big difference in my daily life and the environment around me as a whole,' he said.
Reflecting on his experience, Harry, who was 15 when he reviewed the article on digital device overload, described it as a 'really meaningful task'.
'It allowed me to share my opinions on the manuscript to improve its readability and clarity, and to play a part in educating more young people my age about integrated sensing and communication technology, which will likely shape our future,' he said.
WEF steering committee member and collection editor Ruth Morgan said the project was crafted with – and for – the leaders of tomorrow.
'We hope it sparks curiosity and creates opportunities for younger (and older!) minds to ask questions, think critically, and imagine the future and all the possibilities it holds,' she said.
FYM programme head Laura Henderson said involving young reviewers and collaborating with top scientists behind the original report helps connect the next generation of engaged citizens and researchers directly with key discoveries.
'If our kids are to lead tomorrow's world, they need to understand the breakthroughs being made today – and that's what we're here to do. We're incredibly proud of this collection, which empowers young minds not just to understand emerging technologies, but also to question them, and see themselves as part of the future they'll help build,' she said.
The full Top 10 Emerging Technologies collection is available online for free. It offers educators, parents and students a new resource for exploring the scientific breakthroughs that are poised to shape the future.
To access the collection, visit https://kids.frontiersin.org/collections/69871.