Scientific American Investigates Careers in Science

We can see the important work of paleontologists every time we go to a natural history museum. These scientists locate the remains of towering T. rexes, huge mammoths, and other prehistoric creatures and figure out how they moved, ate, and even died. This beneficial book explains how paleontologists find and study fossils and how someone can prepare for this fascinating career, which expands our understanding of the evolution of life on our planet. Readers will appreciate this volume's dynamic design and accessible text, including fact boxes and sidebars to further pique their interest in this STEM career.

Gazing up into a clear night sky is an inspiring experience, motivating some to pursue a career as an astronomer. Though astronomy is an ancient science, in recent years, these scientists have made some incredible discoveries, thanks to new technology and engineering. Readers of this outstanding volume will find out how they can become astronomers, what an astronomer does in their daily work, and about some of the ingenious instruments aiding these scientists in understanding the universe we can and can't see. Practical career tips are combined with information on high-interest topics such as black holes and distant stars.

The secrets of Earth can be as difficult to uncover as the secrets of the stars. Geologists study the processes that continuously shape and reshape Earth's landscape. When they see rocks, soil, and water, they see clues to earth-forming events that happened hundreds, millions, or even billions of years ago. This accessible volume, a valuable addition to any STEM library, focuses on the different kinds of geologists and the painstaking work they do on their journeys of discovery. It also describes the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and other essential earth-science processes that may motivate budding scientists to consider a geology career.

Meteorologists are highly visible scientists. We often see them on news programs delivering weather reports. However, the science behind the forecast might seem a mystery-until now. This accessible and motivating volume addresses the career of a meteorologist, including how they do their daily work and the many places where they can find employment. Readers will also learn the importance of this science, especially the accurate forecasting of major weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. Sidebars, fact boxes, and graphic organizers support key information about this essential STEM career.

Without archaeologists, we would have little idea of civilizations of the past, how they lived, and where we come from. Archaeologists uncover human history and prehistory. How they do this is through a great deal of study and meticulous work. Readers of this valuable volume will come to understand how archaeology combines exciting and significant discoveries and vast amounts of painstaking preparation. They'll find out about an archaeologist's career path and some of the greatest archaeological finds of recent years. Sidebars and fact boxes support the critical concepts with more fascinating archaeological facts.

Animal lovers often wonder if they should pursue a career in zoology. This field is wider and more varied than they may realize. Zoologists don't just work in zoos, and they may travel the world to study an animal of interest. This high-interest book will immediately capture readers' imagination. The accessible text offers practical tips about how to prepare for a career in zoology and details about the paths budding scientists travel to become zoologists. On-the-site photographs, surprising sidebars, and interesting fact boxes support the STEM-related information.