How to Volunteer

Science Buddies has several programs that depend on our knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers. We invite high school students, undergrad and graduate students, and science and engineering professionals to join us today by selecting the appropriate menu choice on the right side of the screen. Undergrad and graduate students should follow the link for science and engineering professionals.

The Ask an Expert Program

The Ask an Expert Program is focused around an online bulletin board that offers personalized help to answer anyone and everyone's science fair questions: Ask an Expert. Most questions come from students, but occasionally a parent or teacher asks for advice.

Download a one-page PDF summary of the Ask an Expert Program here: Volunteer Flyers

Registered users on the Ask an Expert Forum please login here: Ask an Expert Login

Science Fair Project Ideas

Science Buddies encourages science and technical professionals to submit Project Ideas (previously called Starter Kits) for science fair projects in their area of expertise. This is a great way to share your knowledge with budding young scientists without any requirement to mentor: Submit a Science Fair Project Idea

Classroom Scientists Program*

The Classroom Scientists Program, formerly called our Ask an Expert Mentoring Program (AAEMP), offers personalized help to smaller groups of twenty to thirty students as they complete individual science fair projects. The program is structured with a schedule, assignments and a final goal of completing a science fair project and entering it in a local or regional science fair. Five to ten Experts will work with a small group of twenty to thirty students to offer guidance, feedback, and review the work. The objective is to help a group of students by developing a fun online science community where students can go for support on their projects that will ultimately help them develop a better understanding of science and the scientific method.

The Expert group will be comprised of science professionals and top high school science students. All mentoring or "meetings" will take place on private, password protected discussion boards. An online orientation guide prepares Experts for the program. It covers things like how to use the online message board forum effectively, roles and responsibilities, and gives examples of scenarios from prior participants.

Generally, the program ends when the Investigator enters the finished project in a local science fair. If the Investigator qualifies for a regional or state science fair, additional fine tuning is encouraged to polish the project so that it presents its best face. Most Investigators are amazed by what they can accomplish with a little help from e-mentors.

Download a one-page PDF summary of the Classroom Scientists Program here: Volunteer Flyers

*Please note: The Classroom Scientists Program will not be in operation during the 2007-2008 school year.