> 1. If you were a gifted child, what were the activities, games, questions, or ideas that you most loved, or that ignited and really engaged your interest in s

> 1. If you were a gifted child, what were the activities, games, questions, or ideas that you most loved, or that ignited and really engaged your interest in science and technology? Free learning played a bigger part than anything else. As in, I just kinda did stuff, got intrigued, learned all about a topic and got more and more invested. It had nothing to do with science/STEM directly. If your kid seems interested in something, let them mentally wander through it. Make lots of mistakes, learn to learn, learn how to ask questions and think critically. > 1a. Was there any one person who had a disproportionately positive impact on your STEM education, and if so, why and how? My grandmother spent a boatload of money on positive-minded gifts. She bought me my first computer, but also bought me lots of books, instruments, outdoor play implements, etc. Anything that wasn't "brain junk" she'd buy for me basically whenever she could. I will also say that I would've never done any of this had my parents tried to push me into it. That's where the free learning comes in. Prior to 4th grade I brought up being vaguely interested in school band, the next week my grandmother set up a clarinet rental and had the forms ready to go for me to join. When I wanted to quit, she said no problem, ended the rental, was happy to wait and see where I'd go next. > 2. In what areas will science have the potentially greatest impact for the benefit of humanity in 20 years? What are the biggest and most challenging problems to solve just over the horizon? I would echo the sentiment of other commenters and say you're thinking far far too specifically about your child's development. Your daughter is 4. Encourage her to learn and play. Basically, I think if you're thinking much further ahead than encouraging your child to enjoy learning, exploring and experimenting, you're probably overparenting. Your kid should like you. Your kid should not think you're pushing them in any obvious direction (other than cultivating them as a human). Be open to the idea that your child might be the next Mozart. If your child is actually gifted, allow them to use their gifts in a way they're comfortable and excited about. They're still a child, which means they sometimes want to play and eat candy and be bored.