Be a Scientist!

Without paleontologists, we'd know very little about dinosaurs and other prehistoric forms of life. These scientists painstakingly locate fossils, remove them from the earth, and study them to find out what they can reveal about life long ago. This fascinating book examines different specialties some paleontologists choose to pursue as well as the skills and interests those interested in this science career should have. Readers will also enjoy learning about some of the most important discoveries paleontologists have unearthed.

While some scientists look to the stars, others look at the ground. Geologists are scientists who study the rocks under our feet, the soil in our gardens, and the many processes that make Earth continuously shape and reshape itself, such as weathering and erosion. This appealing book focuses on the different kinds of geologists and the significant work they do. It also describes the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and some other important earth-science concepts that will inspire readers to consider a career in geology.

Meteorology is a science that deals with the always changing, always fascinating atmosphere of Earth. Meteorologists don't just deal with rain, wind, and snow; they're also on the lookout for life-altering events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. This accessible book explains the career options of a meteorologist, including television and NASA. It also delves into the past history of meteorology as well as the modern technology that meteorologists now have to aid them.

Stargazing may not just be a hobby. For some, it's a clue they should pursue a career in astronomy. In this intriguing book, readers will learn what it takes to become an astronomer and about several puzzles of the universe past astronomers have unlocked. Some topics include how we know a black hole is there if we can't see it, the way a star works and what happens when it dies, and the discovery that most stars we see are actually pairs of stars. Enthralling photographs serve as reminders of the beauty and vastness of the universe.

People pursuing careers in zoology usually focus on certain groups of animals. Herpetologists study reptiles and amphibians, and entomologists are experts on insects. They don't just work at zoos, either. They're teachers, writers, researchers, and more. Some zoologists work in labs and classrooms, while others travel the oceans and trek over mountains. A deep interest in animals and understanding of biology is needed to succeed in this high-interest career. Animal lovers will enjoy learning about different kinds of animals as well as considering the many facets of this profession.

Genetics is the study of all the traits and features that are passed from parents to children, from eye color to genetic disorders. Geneticists look at these patterns and use them as to decode and understand the world around us. Geneticists have helped farmers develop better seeds, produce new treatments for certain health conditions, and even create new dog breeds. Geneticists' work is vital to so many different fields, and this book introduces readers to the exciting, cutting-edge STEM career they can have as a geneticist.

NASA calls the ocean the "great unknown," because we know more about the surface of the moon than the bottom of the ocean. Marine biologists study marine life by swimming with sharks or learning about life processes by studying plants that grow with almost no sunlight, making them some of Earth's greatest adventurers. With explanations about how one becomes a marine biologist and the many different paths their careers might take, this book is perfect for readers who are adventurers, animal lovers, swimmers, or simply curious about what's under the water that covers 70 percent of Earth.

Do you ever wonder where we came from? Or how people lived long ago? Anthropology is the science of humanity, and this can mean many different things. In this detail-filled book, young readers will learn more about how history and science combine in this fascinating career. They'll also learn about physical and cultural anthropologists, how they differ, and how they're the same. Through intriguing photographs and many stories and details, readers will travel through time with anthropologists to see how they, too, can be a part of this unique and important field.

From the fast-paced world of social media and data security, to the cutting-edge research on cancer and other complex diseases, computer scientists are hard at work writing programs to collect, store, protect, and analyze huge amounts of data. Readers will be introduced to the incredibly diverse and in-demand career options available to people with computer science expertise. Projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries over the next 10 years, there's no better time to learning about becoming a computer scientist.