Geologists "in the field" collecting data on Rock formations.

Sounds like fun.

Maybe You Could Be a Geologist?

Rock ‘n’ Roll

Do you like being outdoors? Like mysteries and puzzles? Curious about the world around you? Then becoming a geologist might be something just for you, and you can start today! Right now!

Geologists study the Earth and the different forces that have shaped the Earth over millions of years. Most geologists specialize in one subject. Some study volcanoes. Others study earthquakes, erosion, or how our planet became the place we know today.

Geologists spend a lot of time “in the field,” where they study rock formations that tell the story of ancient Earth, or perched on the edge of a bubbling volcano collecting magma samples. Or, these earth scientists might even find themselves at the South Pole collecting ice samples from thousands of years ago.

Part of the fun of being a geologist is solving mysteries. How has the Earth changed over the past four billion (4,000,000,000) years? Curious?

How do I become a geologist?

You can read books on how the Earth was formed, you can log on to the world wide web to discover what geologists believe is the history of our planet, long before people came along. Long before the dinosaurs, long before anything lived on this blue rock, third from the sun.

It won’t take long to learn the basics. Then, it’s time to do some field work. Start by collecting the different kinds of rocks in your own neighborhood. Start in your own backyard! Identify the type of rock, label it and add it to your collection.

Always be on the look out for rock samples that you don’t already have on your sample shelf. Everywhere, there’s a wide variety of rock types.

Use the world wide web to keep up on the latest in Geology news. Each year, there are thousands of minor and major earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other geological events. Our planet is always in motion.

Talk to a parent, your favorite teacher or the school media specialist about your interest in geology. There are museums to visit, people whom you can contact and share information, and lots of DVDs on everything from How the Grand Canyon Was Born” to “What Lies Below The Oceans?”

Also, don’t forget to visit your public library for even more information on rocks and geology.

Do I have to have a special college education?

Yes. That’s why it’s so important to learn all you can today.

Geologists spend many years in college studying the Earth and the work done by scientists who came before them. There’s always lively debate among geologists as different theories are presented. As a college student you will take part in some of these debates.

In college, you’ll also spend a great deal of time “in the field” studying rock formations, rock layers and other features of this sphere we call home.

But you don’t have to wait for college to start discovering the exciting world of geology. Just step outside with an eye to the ground. Notice the hills, mountains, lakes, streams and beaches that are all around you.

This is geology up close, right in front of you. Time to get some field work in.

Now, where did I leave that shovel?

The Earth is an exciting place, always in motion, always changing, always adding new mysteries to the study of geology. To learn more about the Earth, click this for a visit to Science With Me! Science and fun all in one place so let’s make some discoveries.