• Connects teachers, students, and parents with science professionals
  • over 130 scientists have volunteered to assist you
  • speakers for the classroom - enhance your curriculum
• Field trips - visit scientists at work
• Topics range from aerospace to medicine to telecommunication
• Advice for science projects at home or in the classroom
• Anything from an e-mail to working in a research lab
• Science Fair judges

How to search the "Ask an Expert" and Field Trip Database:                                

• By Name                               
• By Grade Level and Unit                                
• By Area of expertise                                
• By Service
                                   
• Field Trips
  

Greetings                                

Welcome to the Prince Edward Island Science and Technology "Ask an Expert" Database. This resource lists science and technology people throughout PEI who are interested in sharing their expertise with students and teachers from K-12. The role of an "expert" may take several forms. "Expert" involvement may be as minimal as serving as a source of information in a particular field of science or playing a more significant role by aiding with science fair projects or giving classroom presentations. Teachers, students and other guests making use of this resource should note that: marvelous "experts" are VOLUNTEERS and are not obliged or available to mentor at every request.                                

Please read Planning an "Ask an Expert"  Session or Field Trip and the STAS Disclaimer before searching our "Ask an Expert" Database.                              

Value of "Experts"                                

"Experts", expanding learning beyond the walls of the classroom by:                                

• increasing student knowledge and understanding of a subject;
• adding a realistic aspect to the topic of study and;
• providing students with an opportunity to develop and enhance their social and citizenship skills.

Planning an "Ask an Expert" Session or Field Trip                              

In light of their valuable contribution to a child's education, a good deal of planning should go into "ask an expert" sessions. Careful attention should be given to          

• "expert" selection        
• pre-visit preparation        
• the session itself        
• appropriate follow-up          
• evaluation.         
• Such efforts should ensure that students will have a successful educational experience. When considering an "expert" , teachers are advised to first consult with their administrator regarding existing school board policies and follow those recommended procedures. For assistance in planning an "Ask an Expert" session, please refer to the following:                               
• “Questions for Expert” Checklist
  
• Student’s "Ask an Expert" Session Checklist
  
• Teacher’s "Ask an Expert"  Session Checklist
  
• Classroom Presentation Checklist
  
• Field Trip Checklist

STAS Disclaimer                                

The purpose of PEI's Science an Technology Awareness Site (STAS) "Ask an Expert" Program is to provide a contact list of "Experts" with science backgrounds, knowledge and resources. STAS maintains "Expert" volunteer contact information and the type of assistance each volunteer is willing to contribute.                                

Although STAS representatives have checked "Expert" credentials we strongly recommend that legal guardians act with due diligence in selection of an "Expert" and facilitation of "Expert" activities. The legal guardian is responsible to set parameters for "Expert" interaction involving their child. Legal guardians or designate should be present, or legal guardians should give their written consent, for personal "Expert" meetings. Likewise "Expert" activities facilitated through schools and during school time are the responsibility of the participating teacher and the appropriate school board.                                

It should be hereby noted that PEI's Science and Technology Awareness Site (STAS), the University of Prince Edward Island, PEI's Department of Education and sponsors of the STAS program will not be held liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this site, information and materials provided by "Experts", meetings with "Experts" and field trips arranged from information provided by this site, including but not limited to direct, indirect, special, punitive, incidental, exemplary or consequential damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with STAS volunteer "Experts".                                

Feedback                               

The STAS "Ask an Expert" Database is constantly growing. Parents, teachers and students with information about additional sites or suggestions for improvements to current listings should write to the STAS team at stas@upei.ca or call John Burka at (902) 566-0810.        

Interested in being a "Expert" or Mentor?  

Go to the next link, fill in the form, and send it to John Burka (burka@upei.ca) so your information can be entered in the database.