Module 1: What is Earth Science?

Earth Science Career Proflie

Woman looking in briefcaseAuthentic Assessment IconAs you learned in this module, Earth science is a wide-ranging field that offers a variety of career opportunities. A background in Earth science can even prepare you for jobs that you may not realize incorporate aspects of Earth science, such as a computer programmer, artist, photographer, graphic designer, contractor, developer, engineer, lawyer, journalist, or even a politician! For this assignment, you will create a career profile for any job that requires an Earth science background. You may want to select (but are not limited to) some of the careers listed below:

  • Geologist
  • Meteorologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Cartographer
  • Astrophysicist
  • Paleontologist
  • Oceanographer

Url IconBegin by visiting the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website for the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Use the information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics site for your career selection to answer the following questions:

  • Career - What is the name of the career?
  • Training and Education Needed - What type of degree do you need to have? How many years of postsecondary education do you need? Do you receive on the job training?
  • Job Tasks - What are the five major tasks that you are expected to do?
  • Earnings - What is the average yearly wage? What is the average pay per hour?
  • Job Outlook - What is the expected percentage of job growth? What types of positions in that profession will be available in the future? How many jobs are available now?

Now, research how the position relates to the concepts that you learned in this module, specifically:

  • To which branch of Earth science does the career relate?
  • What are the major types of studies in which the career is involved?
  • What tools of measurement and study would someone in the career use?

You may format your career profile in any way you choose, as long as it includes all of the necessary information and that information is well-organized. Suggested formats include a mock job posting or in résumé form. Before you begin, access the Earth Science Career Profile Checklist to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You will need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment, so please submit a Works Cited document with your assignment submission. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you used.

Reflection

After you create your career profile, write a short reflection of three to four sentences about a career you might consider in the future and how a background in Earth science will better prepare you for that career. Do you think there are aspects of Earth science that are beneficial for everyone to understand, regardless of their profession?  Why or why not?

Assignment Icon
Once you have completed your career profile and reflection, please submit your work to the dropbox.

 

Exam Icon
Once you have completed this module, please complete the module test.