Scientists and Innovators FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the visiting scientists do?

Visiting scientists provide interactive presentations on their topics of expertise. You may learn how to turn your own kitchen into a chemistry lab, how to build bridges out of newspaper, discover where fossils come from, explore the ocean, challenge your mind with mathematical puzzles, or electrify your senses with physics. They are also available to assist with or judge science fairs, to provide career information, and the list goes on

How much does the program cost?

It's FREE! The scientists and innovators are all volunteers and accept no fee. Their expenses are covered by the program. You only need to provide some of your time to organize the visit.

How do I get a scientist to visit my class?

First complete and return a request form. This may be done by mailing or faxing us a request form (contact our office at 1-800-363-1611 if you do not already have one). Please coordinate your request with other teachers in your school to ensure an efficient response. We are best able to accommodate your request if your needs are flexible and you give us plenty of notice. Once we have selected your scientist, it is up to you to contact them to make the detailed arrangements. A checklist is provided to help you organize your visit.

Availability is sometimes limited. By providing us with the needs for your whole school at once, we will be able to arrange visits more efficiently.