Encouragement Could be the First Step Toward the Sciences

Scientists are commonly thought of as geniuses who spend hours in a lab hunched over a microscope. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Scientists are found in every aspect of work and impact everything from the newest perfumes to potato chips to the space shuttle.

How can you tell if your student is a candidate for a career in the sciences? Many scientists have certain traits in common, which most children show in their formative learning years. A common trait is curiosity. A willingness to ask questions and try new ideas is essential for the budding scientist.

Just about anything in which a child shows interest was developed by, or under the observation of, a scientist. That professional probably began a science career by asking the same questions your student asks.

Does your child like computer games? Developing and testing these games is a growing (and financially rewarding) career. How about that teenager who can't keep his hands off the car's engine? He might eventually be on a team that develops the next breakthrough in transportation. And that young volleyball fan might put her love of sports to use as a physical therapist.

So encourage your students to pursue their interests and question their surroundings. These are the first steps to a career that can unlock a variety of discoveries and opportunities.

What Kinds of "Sciences" are There?

The possibilities for a science career are virtually endless. The following outline describes a few basic scientific career categories.

The Helping Sciences

The helping sciences include human and veterinary medicine, allied health professions, psychiatry, clinical psychology and social work. These scientists treat, ease, cure and prevent physical and mental illness. They also work with the poor, the retarded, the handicapped and the elderly.

The Social Sciences

Social scientists deal primarily with groups of people. These fields include sociology, cultural anthropology, political science, economics and social psychology. Many of these scientists study cultures, politics, peace, war and crime.

The Life Sciences

The life sciences include botany, forestry, genetics, zoology and many, many more. Some scientists in this area develop and test new medicines, some study reptiles and dinosaur remains, some work to develop new flower hybrids, and some even develop theories about extraterrestrial life!

The Physical Sciences

Chemistry, in its many forms, is one field of the physical scientist. Chemists often work with fuels, fertilizers, pesticides and plastics. Physicists also fall within this category. Some physicists work with nuclear reactors, wind turbines and electronic devices. Physicists might also study the affects of high winds, strong water currents and flight.

The Earth Sciences

Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists study the planet's structure and history as revealed in its rocks, the chemical processes responsible for formations, and the processes that move the plates of the Earth's crust about. These scientists are often employed to help find oil, gas and metals, and assist in obtaining those resources. Oceanographers, who study the ocean currents and sediments, and meteorologists, who study the planet's weather and atmosphere also fall into the Earth sciences category.

The Space Sciences

The space sciences include astronomy, astrophysics and planetology. These scientists study planets, stars, dust clouds, comets and our own sun. Astronauts and space craft designers also fall into this category.

Engineering

Engineers design and build things like cars, bridges, airplanes, buildings and mines. Engineers are in high demand and are paid quite well. Engineers may specialize in any of the sciences, such as a petroleum engineer who helps bring crude oil to the surface (Earth) or a mechanical engineer who builds wind turbines (physical).

Mathematics & Computer Sciences

Computer science blends math and electronic engineering. Computer scientists are shaping the lifestyles of tomorrow through their development of faster, more capable computers and artificial intelligence. Mathematicians, financial engineers, actuaries and statisticians measure probability and formulate innovative services such as life insurance, variable rate mortgages and car leases. Many people use a math background to pursue other scientific careers, or continue to pursue academic areas such as number theory.