Ever wondered what scientists do?

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Careers in Science

What jobs do scientist do?

There are many careers in science because science is connected to everything we see and do. What kind of scientist would you like to be? When you walk in a park, for example, what science draws your attention?

… Birds, squirrels and other animals? You might be interested in Zoology. Zoologists study animals

Zoologists study animals. Some explore insects or mammals, while others are concerned with how new animals develop and evolve. As a zoologist, you can work in many different places – zoos, wildlife centres, museums and universities.  

Did you know that while conservation work was being carried out at Benjamin Franklin House builders found hundreds of animal bones? The daughter of Ben’s landlady married a famous anatomist named William Hewson (anatomy is the study of the bodies of humans and animals). William established an anatomy school at Craven Street and he became famous for his studies on blood circulation.

… The sky, sun and clouds? You would probably like Meteorology. Meteorologists study weather processes and forecasting

 Meteorologists study the weather. They do so by investigating various meteorological phenomena such as wind and rain. If you become a meteorologist, you can work as a weather forecaster, in research centres or space agencies. Sectors such as aviation and shipping also employ trained meteorologists, as well schools and universities.

Benjamin Franklin was the first person to observe that North American storms tend to move from west to east, and predicted that a storm’s course could be plotted. He made some of the first recorded weather forecasts and conducted studies on the effects that volcanic eruptions might have on cloud formation (he hypothesized that the severe northern hemisphere winter of 1783–84 was linked to a volcanic eruption in Iceland in the summer of 1783).

 … Flowers and trees? Maybe you should consider a career in Botany. Botanists study plants

Botanists study plants. They do many things, including finding, breeding and classifying new types and the areas in they plants grow. If you decide to become a botanist, you can work in a diverse range of environments ranging from fields to glasshouses and laboratories.

Benjamin Franklin was a good friend of John Bartram, so-called the father of American botany. Bartram travelled extensively in the United States collecting plants. Bartram's Boxes, as they became known, contained seeds and sometimes dried examples of foliage, and were regularly sent to England and other European countries to a select list of clients, including Franklin. In fact, while Franklin lived at Craven Street, he introduced new seeds to America including a willow tree, now known as Frankliniana.

... Remains from the past? You would like Archaeology. Archaeologists study human cultures

Archaeologists study past human civilizations through the recovery of material remains (such as artefacts and bones) and environmental data (landscapes, for example). Archaeologists carry out excavations, analyse and interpret finds, and publish their results through museums and universities. Television producers also need archaeologists to create cultural programmes for the education and enjoyment of viewers.

The bones and artefacts found at Benjamin Franklin House are from the anatomy school run by William Hewson, who married the daughter of Franklin’s landlady in 1770. In 1997 basement excavations revealed over 1200 bones apparently discarded following dissections by Hewson’s students. The bones have been studied by archaeologists at the University of London's Institute of Archaeology and provide fascinating information about the history of surgery

…You prefer the sea, water currents, waves and marine animals? You should consider studying Oceanography. Oceanographers study the oceans and marine life

Oceanographers study the oceans and seas, the reservoir of our water supply. Oceanographic work is carried out in research laboratories, universities, and in industry. There is also a widespread need for oceanographers in environmental protection agencies. If you decided to become an oceanographer, you could even find a job in an aquarium caring for marine animals and their environments.

In 1768, Benjamin Franklin was the postmaster general for the American colonies.  He knew that letters took much longer to get from Europe to America than from America to Europe, but could not understand why. Thus, he started studying the ocean currents and hypothesized that trade winds drive warm water into the Gulf of Mexico, where they exit by the Florida Strait and proceed to form the Gulf Stream. In 1775, on his return to America, Franklin lowered a thermometer into the Atlantic at intervals during his voyage. He found the Gulf Stream to be 6° degrees warmer than the surrounding water and subsequently produced the first chart of the North Atlantic’s Gulf Stream current.

There are many more careers in science that might interest you, from palaeontology (study of the history of life on earth) to mineralogy (study of crystals) and entomology (study of insects)…

A visit to Benjamin Franklin House can help you explore the kind of scientist you would like to be!! (CLICK HERE TO EMAIL OUR EDUCATION MANAGER)