Designing a Brighter Future: An Inquiry-Based STEAM Challenge Journal: Middle School Student Edition is an engaging problem-solving and design thinking workbook that guides students through the design thinking and engineering design process as they identify real-world challenges, investigate root causes, collaborate with others, and develop innovative solutions. Grounded in inquiry-based learning, this journal encourages students to ask questions, explore ideas, think critically, and take ownership of their learning through authentic, hands-on experiences. Through reflection, research, brainstorming, prototyping, and teamwork, students build essential 21st-century skills including creativity, communication, collaboration, perseverance, and innovative thinking. Ideal for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, makerspaces, enrichment programs, innovation labs, gifted education, project-based learning, STEM/STEAM activities, or independent learning experiences. Activities may be completed individually, with partners, or in collaborative teams. This student journal supports learning standards related to Design Thinking, Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills through authentic, hands-on learning experiences.