Want a Career in Science, but what?

[Age101]

Hi
I am new to this site and have been scanning through the many wonderful post and it has got me thinking. There are so many career options in science now but which one will be suited to me best?
I enjoy many things I love astronomy but I also like the sound of chemistry and I also love physics. I just want to know what career options I have that are in those guide lines.
I am in Year 7 and love to plan ahead that is why I am asking these questions. Also what subject should I be taking to help me when I get to college and is there anything that I should be trying to achieve now (except good grades).
Thanks

 

[carlgrace]

At your age you should be soaking up everything you can and exploring. As far as trying to achieve, I would say to develop and maintain your curiosity, keep your grades up, and make sure to get involved in as wide a range of activities as you can, such as sports, music, drama, reading, writing, whatever interests you, really. Don't be afraid to try new things.

When I was your age I didn't even know the field I'm in existed. It could be the same for you. Just try to have fun and be as well-rounded as you can.

 

[dkotschessaa]

Yes, just keep taking everything you can. Math, sciences, physics, and even more math. There's a lot of overlap in all these disciplines. physics+chemistry = physical chemistry. Astronomy+physics=cosmology. (that's a of a crude characterization but sort of true).

Chemistry can be important in astronomy, since you'll want to know what all the "stuff" is made of and how it was made. And of course underneath all of this is mathematics, for its' own sake and for the thinking skills you get from studying it.

Unless you've been head over heals for some very specific topic for a long time, or some question has fascinated you, (like, ever since you were a kid you wanted to know about earth-like planets, or you wanted to solve the goldbach conjecture) then it's best to get exposed to as much as possible now. Even if you did know exactly what you wanted to study, knowledge of all these areas would be helpful. So don't limit yourself. Not yet.

-Dave K

 

[HayleySarg]

I found great enjoyment in taking all the science courses. I knew I wanted to study physics from a very young age (Blame Jadzia Dax, 7 of 9 and Samantha Carter). However, I just got excited about science in general and went through great lengths to take anything and everything.

I took Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy, and Agricultural Science (I was in a rural school) as well as a class titled "Fundamentals of Engineering" which was trig based physics applied to fun projects like building bridges, working with electricity, etc.

I also loved to learn Math. If academics is a plate, and science is the main course, then math can only be described as the vegetables. You must learn to love them. They're good for you.

Also, in taking so many different courses, I was able to discern just what things I was passionate about. And what was boring! (Cell biology...ick!)

Cheers!