Science Tidbits- What Do Scientists Do?

This week I asked the kids a simple question: What do scientists do?  They responded by saying "Scientists learn about the unknown by observing, collecting data, performing experiments, and building models."  Pretty sophisticated answer!  The discussion continued by having each child  highlight a type of scientist they found interesting.  Check out their responses! 

Highlight: Astrophysicist (Luc- 3rd grade)

Astrophysicists are scientists that study the physics of the universe.  They have strong math and physics skills.  Stephen Hawking is a famous cosmologist and astrophysicist who has creative and brilliant ideas about time travel and black holes.  Astrophysicists are galactic cool and rock the universe!

Cool Sites to Visit:

• Astrophysics for a Ten-Year-Old-Mind
• GSFC Astrophysics Science Division
• GSFC StarChild
• Kids Net Astronomy and Astrophysics
• George’s Secret Key to the Universe
• Kids Astronomy
• NASA Kids

Highlight: Volcanologist (Ellie- 2nd grade)
Volcanologists are scientists who study volcanoes, lava and magma.  They visit active volcanoes to collect rock and lava samples.  They also make predictions about when volcanoes may erupt.  We think people have been studying volcanoes since 7000 B.C.  Wow!

Cool Sites to Visit:

• How to Become a Volcanologist?
• Discovery Kids: Volcano Explorer
• Weather Wiz Kids: Volcanoes
• National Geographic Kids: Volcanoes
• Facts About Volcanoes
• neoK12: Volcanoes
• National Geographic: Forces of Nature- Volcanoes

Highlight: Marine Biologist (Abby-5th grade)
Marine Biology is the study of organisms in the ocean.  These scientists study a wide variety of life ranging from the prodigious blue whale to microscopic plankton.  I find the cetaceans the most interesting.  This group of marine mammals  includes  the many species of toothed and baleen whales.  From the blue whale measuring over 30m to the Hector’s dolphin measuring only 1.25m, marine biologists agree these are amazing, social animals to observe!  

Cool Sites to Visit:

• The Marine Mammal Center
• National Geographic: Blue Whale Interactive
• NOAA Online Games and Activities
  • Spotlight: Whale Migration Game
  • The Kid's Times

• ReefEd- Great Barrier Reef Resources
• National Geographic Kids Creature Feature
• Winter's Tail
• Explore the Marine Sanctuaries
• Jonathan Bird's Blue World TV
• Kids Do Ecology: Marine Mammals