Interview a paleontologist
Prepare and conduct an interview with a paleontologist to ask about fossils, fieldwork, and career paths; learn how scientists study Earth's ancient life.
About this activity
Prepare and conduct an interview with a paleontologist to ask about fossils, fieldwork, and career paths; learn how scientists study Earth's ancient life.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Ask an adult to help you find a paleontologist to contact for an interview.
- 2
Step 2
Decide with your adult whether you will video call phone or email the paleontologist.
- 3
Step 3
Spend 15 minutes researching fossils fieldwork and scientist careers and write three facts in your notebook.
- 4
Step 4
Write 8 to 12 clear questions in your notebook about fossils fieldwork and career paths.
- 5
Step 5
Put your questions in the order you want to ask them using sticky notes.
- 6
Step 6
Practice asking your questions out loud while timing yourself with the timer or clock.
- 7
Step 7
Have your adult help you send a polite message or call to schedule the interview.
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Step 8
Set up headings in your notebook labeled Answers New words and Follow-up before the interview.
- 9
Step 9
Be ready five minutes early with your notebook pencil and questions at the interview time.
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Step 10
Start the interview by saying your name and one short sentence about why you are curious about fossils.
- 11
Step 11
Ask each question one at a time.
- 12
Step 12
Write clear notes of the paleontologist’s answers and jot down any new words you hear.
- 13
Step 13
Ask the paleontologist for one fun tip or a book or website to learn more.
- 14
Step 14
Say thank you and ask how you can follow up or stay in touch.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished interview summary on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I prepare and conduct an interview with a paleontologist?
Start by researching the paleontologist’s work and write 10–15 clear questions about fossils, fieldwork, and career paths. Contact a nearby museum, university, or science center to request an interview and schedule a time. Practice your questions and a short introduction. During the interview, record audio or video, ask open-ended questions, follow up on interesting answers, and thank them. Afterwards, review the recording, take notes, and share what you learned.
What materials do I need to interview a paleontologist?
You’ll need a notebook and pens, or a tablet/laptop to record notes. Bring a phone or audio recorder (with permission), a list of prepared questions, the paleontologist’s contact info, and a parent or teacher for support. Optional extras: photos or toy fossils to discuss, a camera for pictures, and a consent form if recording. If meeting in person, bring comfortable shoes, water, and clear directions to the site.
What ages is interviewing a paleontologist suitable for?
This activity suits ages roughly 6–18 with adjustments. Young children (6–8) can ask simple questions and need adult help finding a contact and recording; ages 9–12 can prepare 8–12 thoughtful questions and handle a short interview with supervision. Teens (13–18) can research independently, ask career-path and methodology questions, and produce a written report or video. Adapt complexity and supervision to the child’s curiosity and maturity.
What are the benefits and safe variations of interviewing a paleontologist?
Interviewing a paleontologist builds science literacy, communication skills, critical thinking, and confidence. Children learn how fossils are studied, what fieldwork involves, and real career paths in STEM. Variations include remote video interviews, a panel with multiple scientists, or turning answers into a classroom presentation, podcast, or poster. Safety tip: always arrange interviews through trusted institutions and have an adult present for in-person or online meetings.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have sticky notes, a timer, or a notebook?
Use folded paper or index cards to order questions instead of sticky notes, your phone's clock or alarm for timing practice instead of a separate timer, and a digital document or a single sheet of paper with the Answers, New words, and Follow-up headings in place of a notebook.
What should we do if the paleontologist cancels, the call has bad audio, or I feel too nervous during the interview?
Have your adult help reschedule or switch the agreed method (video call, phone, or email) as step 2 and step 6 suggest, test audio beforehand and be ready five minutes early, and use your timed practice and the opening line 'your name and one short sentence about why you are curious about fossils' to calm nerves.
How can we adapt the number of questions and note-taking for younger or older kids?
Younger kids can prepare 3–5 simple questions on sticky notes and have an adult write clear notes or draw answers in the notebook headings, while older kids can research longer, write 8–12 detailed questions, time themselves with the timer during practice, and take fuller notes under Answers and New words.
How can we extend or personalize the finished interview before sharing on DIY.org?
Turn the notebook Answers and New words into an illustrated one-page summary or short recorded recap, include the paleontologist's fun tip or book/website recommendation from step 14, and add photos or a short reflection in the Follow-up section before posting on DIY.org.