What does an Earth Science Teacher do?

An Earth science teacher educates students on the world around them. The general subject of Earth science is comprised of four areas — oceanography, meteorology, geology and astronomy. The teacher needs a good background in science and math to be well versed in the subject.

An Earth science teacher will usually educate at the elementary or high school level. Some colleges or universities may have Earth science available, but at that level, the general subject is usually broken down into one of the four aforementioned areas. Doing so can help students hone in on a precise area of interest and help the teacher give more precise information on specific subject matter.

As an Earth science teacher, educating students on how the four areas work together to create our world is an important job. It is vital that he or she finds a way to talk to students in a way they will understand; patience is key, as they may not understand certain lessons right away. In addition, being able to relate to others and get them excited about Earth science is a way to get them really thinking about the world after they leave the classroom.

Some students may be more interested in Earth science than others, so it is the teacher’s job to find a way to get as many of them intrigued as possible. Taking students on trips to the planetarium and on nature walks can be both fun and advantageous for kids of all ages. It gives the students a chance to get out of the usual learning environment and go to a place they may never have been before.

An Earth science teacher may bring in various items, such as rocks and greenery, to give students a hands-on approach to learning. The students can review the items under a microscope for a completely different view. It is crucial that the teacher show students the world from a different perspective. If one view, such as a natural view, does not work, a different one, such as one that is magnified, can make all the difference in the student’s outlook.

An Earth science teacher must have a passion for the natural world and be able to convey that same passion to the students, so they too can develop a passion for it. One of those students, after being inspired by one or more lessons, could go on to make a significant discovery that could change the world.