A scientist is a person who finds facts or organizes knowledge. Scientists usually look like your mom or dad, but occasionally they look like Bill Nye. To be a scientist takes training. Most scientists have at least 20 years of education including their doctorate degree in a specialized field of study. There are many different kinds of scientists and different ways that they do their job. For example, a chemist may be a scientist who works with the structures and properties of substances like acids, while a botanist may be a scientist who works with living organisms like plants.

Part of a scientist's job is to investigate any questions that anybody might have. Recognizing a problem is the first step in science. Most scientists investigate problems by using The Scientific Method. This method is made up of five steps that help scientists find answers. By following these five steps, you too can be a scientist!

The first step is to make an observation, which means to take a look at the world around you and see what's going on. Then look for any problems, or things you could make better and write them out (define a problem). Next form a hypothesis or a really good guess at how you can fix the problem. The fourth step is to test or experiment with your hypothesis to see if it will work. If it doesn't, then make another guess and try it again. Experiments, don't always solve problems, but they can show you some new information that may help you find an answer. Lastly, take everything you learned from your experiments and form a conclusion that explains what you did, what worked, and what didn't. Sometimes scientists find new things by accident, but more often they follow the Scientific Method.

At the station, we have several kinds of scientists. For example:
 

Agricultural Engineer - designs machines to be used by other scientists and farmers. Looks for ways to save soil so that it produces more crops.
Microbiologist - Works with microorganisms (things so small you need a microscope to see them). Learns how they live and how they help plants and animals live in their environment.
Hydrologist - Studies water on land, in soil and under rocks. Learns how to manage and conserve our water.
Soil Scientist - Works with the soil in several ways. For example a soil scientist may study the chemistry and fertility of soil. He may also study water and how it moves through the soil.

These scientists, with the help of many other people at the station, work together to improve soil and water management in the Pacific Northwest.

 - Home - Disclaimer - Text Only - Search CPCRC - For Kids - Links -