How can meteorites support careers education?
Meteorite science involves geologists, chemists, physicists, engineers, curators, data scientists and communicators, showing pupils a wide range of STEM careers.
Meteorites are a good way to show pupils the variety of careers in science and beyond.
Research scientists. Planetary scientists and meteoriticists study meteorites in universities and research institutes. They may specialise in mineralogy, geochemistry, isotope dating, organic chemistry or the physics of impacts.
Museum professionals. Curators look after collections, research specimens and plan exhibitions. Conservators protect specimens from rust and decay. Educators run school workshops.
Engineers. Space missions such as Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx needed engineers to design spacecraft, sampling devices and heat shields. Laboratory instruments, such as mass spectrometers and electron microscopes, are built and maintained by technical specialists.
Data and computing. Fireball networks need software developers and data scientists to process images and calculate orbits. Asteroid surveys use machine learning to spot moving objects.
Field and support roles. Expedition teams in Antarctica include guides, mountaineers and logistics staff. Laboratory technicians prepare thin sections and keep instruments running.
Communication and policy. Science journalists, writers, illustrators and broadcasters share discoveries. Policy advisers work on planetary defence and space law.
Pathways. Explain routes into these careers: A-levels or equivalent in sciences and maths, university degrees in geology, chemistry, physics, engineering or computing, apprenticeships in technical roles, and postgraduate study for research. Inviting a speaker, even by video, or using short career profiles, helps pupils see themselves in these roles. Emphasise that people from all backgrounds work in these fields.
More about for teachers
- What are good discussion questions about meteorites?
- How does the history of meteorites show the scientific method?
- How can meteorites inspire art and creative writing?
- How can I explain the speed of meteors in relatable terms?
- How can I teach orbits and gravity using asteroids?
- How can I run a meteorite or space-rock club?