Sample project for Project Based Learning Assessment for L.E.C.

1. My Career Search

2. Likes/Strengths
• I like to be outside as much as possible
• I like being with people, but I don't mind being alone either
• I like working with younger kids
• I love animals of all kinds
• I am passionate about the environment
• Studying is ok if it's interesting to me
• I want to feel like I'm doing something important
• I am really good with animals
• I have always done well in science classes
• I'm good at math
• I like to travel
• I am physically fit and active

3. Dislikes/Weaknesses
• I get restless if I'm stuck inside for too long
• I am uncomfortable if I have to dress up in "professional" clothing
• I don't like being around uptight people
• I don't mind going to college, but probably don't want to go to
school any longer than that
• Money is important, but it's not as important as being happy
• I am not good with public speaking
• I don't feel comfortable in crowds
• English class is the hardest for me
• I don't like to write a lot
• I'm not good with making things with my hands
• I'm not mechanical

4. Possible Careers
I completed the survey on Career Zone, and it
identified these as possible careers for me:
– Biologist
– Ecologist
– Veterinarian
– Zoo Keeper
– Zoo Habitat Specialist
– Research Scientist
– Environmental Management
– Natural Resources Management

5. Choosing just one…
• I decided to research the career of
Environmental Scientist
• It seemed to match the most of my likes and
strengths
• It sounded interesting!

6. The Facts:
• Most work in offices and laboratories, but they also spend time in
the field
• "Fieldwork can be physically demanding, and environmental
scientists and specialists may work in all types of weather."
• Travel to meet with clients is often required.
• Most are employed by the government or private consulting firms.
• The median income was $61,700 in May 2011.
• A bachelor's degree is required for entry-level jobs, but a master's
or doctorate may be required for advancement.
• Employment is expected to grow by 19% between 2010 and 2020,
with most jobs being in private firms, which is about average.
(OOH Environmental Scientists)

7. Education:
• UC Davis offers a major in Environmental Science and
Management.
• You must take lower-division courses in biology, chemistry,
physics, economics and calculus.
• In your junior and senior years, you take courses in physical,
biological and social sciences, environmental monitoring,
and statistical analysis.
• There are different specialized "tracks" to choose from in
the major.
• Students "gain practical experience through field courses
and a required internship.“
(UCDavis)

8. What they do:
• Collect data for scientific analysis for research projects,
investigations, and surveys
• Data can be samples of air, soil, water, food, and other
materials
• Analyze data to identify threats to the environment
• Develop plans to “prevent, control, or fix
environmental problems,” such as land, water, and air
pollution
• Educate government officials, businesses, and the
public about possible risks to health or hazards to the
environment

9. My Conclusions…
• This is a job where you can really make a difference.
• You could be actively working to save the environment.
• It sounds like the kind of science I really like.
• You get to spend time outdoors.
• The education required is the amount I want to get.
• You get to travel.
• The salary won't make you rich, but it's enough to live comfortably.
• You spend a lot of time indoors in the office and the lab.
• Most of the work is for private companies that use you to get rich from harming
the environment instead of protecting it.
• I thought I wanted to work with animals, and you don't seem to get to do that in
this job.
• Yes, this could be the career for me! Even though there is a lot of lab time and
office time, and I wouldn't get to work with animals, the work sounds exciting and
important. It fits with most of my likes/dislikes and strengths / weaknesses.