Conclusion
Real scientists had many of the same interests and struggles that kids have today. They weren't all Einsteins (who, by the way -- dropped out of school!) They were ordinary kids -- just like you. 
A common thread throughout their lives is that they did what they loved, and worked hard at it. From working with monkeys to walking on the moon, today's smart and curious people design their own careers in science. Their stories can inspire you to choose science career that you love, and then keep working toward your goals.
Their wise words are true for kids of all ages:
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“Don’t be afraid to be a nerd. Read constantly and compare what you learn from reading with what you see and collect. - Robert McWilliams. |
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“Understand the world around us and how we are a part of that world. We still need to improve our understanding of how we can live and prosper in the world without destroying it by waste and consumption.” - Steve Madewell |
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Learn the basics, like math, physics and chemistry, but also ask how the basic knowledge applies in real world applications. . . Students should ask for these connections up front, not years after learning what otherwise might appear to be abstract or boring. - Greg Asner |
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Work hard but also play hard. - Yoky Matsuoka |
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Do what you love. . . Read, read, read. . . Dive in and learn more about what interests you. - Laurie Santos |
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The real joy of science is to discover something new in an area about which you are passionate. Enjoy yourself since science has its own magic. - Darlene Ketten |
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Curiosity is very energizing. You can spend your whole life being amazed and excited by what you’re learning. - Kathy Sullivan |
If you finish early, check out this information for more "real" scientists and videoclips of their work on the link below. In your journal, make a table like the one below. Fill in the name of your scientist, describe his/her job, then rate how interesting you think it would be to do that scientist's job. Show your teacher how you were able to observe and record data.
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Real Jobs in Science | ||||||
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Job Interest Rating | ||||||
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= Boring 
= OK job 
= Interesting 
= Extremely Cool
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For more information on modern scientists not included in this Web Quest, try this website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/bioindex.html |
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To make a brochure about your scientist, check out: http://www.mybrochuremaker.com/ |
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To read about more "real" scientists, check out Mark Jannot's article, PopSci's 6th Annual Brilliant 10, Popular Science Magazine, November, 2007. |