Geologist Steve Padovani's interest in earth science topics began in second grade. He was fascinated by the works and documentaries of Jacques Cousteau and wanted to be an Ichthyologist (study of fish). He would draw all kinds of sea creatures and was really drawn to deep ocean life. He frequently paged through a Life Magazine pictorial book on the evolution of the earth, which included lots of dinosaurs, another big favorite of his. A third element was his mom's interest in conservation and recycling.

By the time he was 8 years old, it was 1968 and he was very interested in all exploration science topics, from space travel to deep earth exploration, and he had a very strong opinion about environmental issues, especially water pollution.

"My dad used to take us sailing almost every Sunday on Lake Michigan." In some areas of the lake, Padovani remembered seeing all kinds pollution and dead or dying fish. "Some of the contamination was so bad it would stain the hull of the boat. That really bothered me," he said, "but at the time, environmental issues were not really very popular, so I frequently just kept my mouth shut." For the past two years, however, Padovani has done just the opposite.

Padovani knows that educational exposure at a young age can shape a future. He is living proof. So what a better place to share his passion than in his daughter, Allison's second and third grade classrooms at the age his own interest began.

Expanding on last year's presentation to second grade classes, Padovani brought a hands-on science afternoon to his daughter's third grade classrooms at St. Joseph School.

This geologist now working with the EPA guided students through three hands-on activities related to rocks and soils. The students learned of the three basic names geologists use to name rocks; Igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. They examined granite, pumice, sandstone and quartzite while making observations of what type of rock they might be. Discussion and slides on volcanoes captured the third graders. He guided the third graders through fossil creations before moving into a discussion on an extremely important resource very worthy of our attention; soil.

Working in groups, Padovani had students observe sandy soil, clay soil and loam soil. "Loam soil is a good planting soil as it has equal amounts of sand, silt and clay, and typically contains humus," said Padovani. His experiment was designed to give students a better appreciation for the soil types and how they can affect plant growth.

Padovani took his childhood interests into college studying Geology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He worked as a field Geologist before he returned for an MS in Environmental and Occupation Health Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has found his home with the EPA. He took this childhood interest and created a life filled with his passions.

"It has been a long road involving a lot of luck, hard work, and a willingness to adapt to new ideas and directions." Padovani has found success. "I feel I've achieved more than I ever expected. I also feel so lucky to have a career using many of my lifelong interests."

As Padovani shares his knowledge with these young students, he hopes that sharing his interest might spark another to follow the same path. "The bottom line is that I'm an earth science geek - always have been and always will be. That's what drove me to where I am." He adds, "I've come to terms with that in my older age and now really enjoy just being that geek and passing on my passion to the next generation."