Ask an Expert!

Cartoon of an Expert explaining a formula to a young girl.

Let's Try It!

Pick a topic of your own. Find a web page or service that allows you to ask an expert a question. Your question may already be answered by an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) the expert supplies. Or the expert may respond to you directly.

When expertise comes directly from the author who conducted the research it is called a primary source of information.

Here are some Ask the Expert Sites to get you started!

Electronic Emissary Project
The Electronic Emissary project is a 'connection center' for telementoring projects that helps teachers and students locate experts from all fields of learning. This resource has been online since 1993 and is based at the University of Texas's College of Education.

Ask an Astronaut
Here's a resource where you can pose questions to real Astronauts. Each month the site features a specific astronaut, providing significant biographical background. Related resource links, and many downloadable images are available for your projects. It can take a long time for students to get a response to a question, and not all questions are answered.

The MAD Scientist Network
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the MAD Scientist Network is the gateway to more than 500 scientists from around the planet who can answers questions in almost any science related field.

Ask a Geologist
This is a site provided by the USGS (United States Geological Survey), a bureau of the Department of the Interior. You can ask questions about all aspects of Geology (volcanoes, mapping, stream erosion, plate tectonics, etc.) Your questions are routed to the appropriate USGS scientist. You should receive a response in a few days.

MathForum - Ask Dr. Math
This is a dynamic resource staffed by volunteer math educators that provides a comprehensive index of internet math resources. Materials are arranged by grade level and subject area. Dr. Math also includes asynchronous discussion forums that help you connect to like minded educators from around the world.

Ask an Expert Page
This site was compiled by the New Jersey Networking Infrastructure in Education Project (NJNIE). Students and teachers can click on a variety of topics, from science to literature, to ask questions of professionals in that particular field.

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Authored by Lora K. Kaisler and Dennis O'Connor