Environmental science career discussion guide

Use this guide at any point in exploring the agribusiness career pathway. We recommend that students complete the Student Interest Survey on GrowNextGen to enhance classroom discussion.

Discussion questions

1. Professionals in this field are interested in the conservation of natural resources. These professionals often oversee water quality, improving the cleanliness of energy sources used in agriculture, and exploring ways to produce agricultural commodities in ways that are best for humans and planet Earth. What skills and interests do you have that might make you a fit for this field?

2. There are many ways to get involved in environmental science and natural resources, even before you graduate. You could join a school club, contact one of the GrowNextGen Industry Leaders, or help coordinate a field trip. Brainstorm several “next steps,” including courses you might take at your high school or career technical center.

3. Science and Math are essential in environmental science. Make one connection between math or science you have learned, and environmental science. For example, have you learned about the water cycle? How might global warming affect the water cycle and the availability of water as a natural resource?

Problem solving
Each career path contains unique problems to solve. Below are a sampling of real-world challenges that environmental scientists and natural resource coordinators may encounter.

1. Farms are often looking for more cost efficient and greener ways to operate their farms. What biofuels and green power systems exist for farms today. How might one or more of these resources be incorporated into farm operations?

2. Climate change is causing more unpredictability in rainfall. What systems can farms develop to help crops thrive in dry weather while conserving water as a natural resource?

3. How can farmers make use of genetically engineered crops, while helping to maintain the natural biodiversity in a given area?