Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

Question:
I've always wondered what it is like to be a scientist.
Is it fun, boring, exciting, enjoyable, hard, easy?
Melissa Alvin, Jessica Farano, Eileen Navarro.
13 Years of Age.
Glen Crest Jr. High, Glen Ellyn Illinois.

Answer 1:
It's all of the things you mentioned. Sometimes it's
lots of fun, but there are boring periods too....
when things start happening or there is controversy you bet it's
exciting!!! But sometimes you are just sort of plugging away doing
your thing. Some things are hard, others easy.....
 
But I really like being a scientist, because I am very curious
and like to figure out how things work and why they work that way.
If you have this kind of personality, you'd probably make a good
scientist or engineer.
-dr topper

Answer 2:
For me, the greatest joy in science is problem solving. I've always
loved puzzles and games, that's probably why. Computer programming
is particular rewarding because I receive positive reinforcement
every day when new routines work and solve a problem.
--- Jade

Answer 3:
Yes, answering a question you've been working on the
solution to for a long time is a really great feeling.
There is a sense of accomplishment there and it's what
keeps you going in this business.
-dr topper
 
Answer 4:
As a weather forecaster, the science of meteorology is challenging.
During periods of fair weather, it can get boring but when severe
weather hits, things happen very fast! The day to day job of forecasting
is fun. Its different every day. After making a forecast, I go home and 
watch the weather to see how well my forecast is verifying. It is a
very satisfying feeling when the forecast is accurate. If it is not,
you go back and find out what went wrong and why so you don't make
the same mistake again. But every day is different. Forecasting the
weather is a very humbling job at times and very rewarding other times.

Allsopp - NWS