Climate Scientists

Learn as much as possible about climate science. The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions offers Climate Basics for Kids (https://www.c2es.org/content/climate-basics-for-kids), which discusses the causes and negative effects of climate change and offers tips on what young people can do to help fight it. There are plenty of other resources (e.g., videos, books, Web sites) that can provide you with a good understanding of climate science and the work of climate scientists. Ask your science teacher and librarian for some suggestions.

Another excellent way to learn more about the field is to participate in information interviews with climate scientists. In this type of interview—which can be conducted in-person or via telephone or an online communication platform—you will ask scientists why they wanted to enter the field, how they trained for the career, key skills for success, and for advice on preparing for and breaking into the field.

Did you know that students like you can also get involved in scientific research to build their skills and experience? One way to do so is to get involved in NASA’s Citizen Science Projects (https://science.nasa.gov/citizenscience), during which anyone around the world can help NASA collect scientific information to better understand an issue or solve a problem. Many projects only require a cellphone or laptop computer. Here are three current projects:

• GLOBE Observer: participants help scientists interpret images of clouds to better understand our changing climate
• Fresh Eyes on Ice: participants take photos of lake and river ice to aid climate change research and community safety
• Community Snow Observations: participants in Alaska measure snow depths to help scientists more clearly understand climate changes, avalanches, ecology, and water resources

The American Geophysical Union (AGU), a professional association for Earth and space scientists, offers the Bright Students Training as Research Scientists (Bright STaRS) program for middle and high school students who are participating in after-school and summer research experiences in the earth and space sciences. Participants present their research to their classmates and others of the same age, as well as the scientific community at the AGU’s fall meeting. They also have lunch with scientists and can visit an Academic Showcase, which provides information on 40 institutions that offer college geoscience programs. Visit https://www.agu.org/Learn-and-Develop/Learn/Student-Competitions/Bright-Stars to learn more about this free program.

Participate in summer science exploration programs that are offered by colleges and universities, high schools, professional associations, and government science agencies. For example, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center offers field studies for high school students on its 2,650-acre research campus. Learn more at https://serc.si.edu/high-school.

The Student Conservation Association offers summer exploration and nature improvement programs and activities for high school students, college students, and young adults. These opportunities are a great way to explore the field and help protect the environment. Visit https://www.thesca.org for more information.