How to Be a Paleontologist

Do well in all subjects at school.  Stay in school.  Keep reading.  Learn from class trips and Family trips.

Watch shows about nature, animals, plants, wildlife, and the environment.
 
Visit different museums to see science exhibits, fossils and demonstrations.  Make observations, take clear notes and ask questions. 

Observe  and love Nature, and keep reading.
 

Study biology, anatomy, geology, chemistry, math and history too. 
 
Take good measurements and observe how things fit together.

Visit different zoos and aquaria.  Paleontologists need to see more of the natural world.
 
Visit different National, State and local Parks to see more of the natural world. Understanding nature is the foundation for understanding fossils.

 

Be a good scientist and observe details, write down notes, and take pictures of what you’re studying. 
 

Play sports. It does the body good and builds teamwork skills.
Go to scientific meetings, keep reading, and share and communicate with colleagues.
 

And keep looking for fossils.  Ask your local museum (See links to museums) where to look.  Fossils can be found in sediments and sedimentary rock.

Get good grades and graduate from high school.  Earn a college degree in geology, biology, anthropology, chemistry or physics.  Keep reading, and keep looking for fossils.