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Interview an expert

Interview an expert
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Prepare thoughtful questions and interview a local expert (teacher, scientist, or artisan), record their answers, and write a short summary of findings.

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Step-by-step guide to interviewing an expert

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Top 10 Interview Questions And Answers | Most Asked Interview Questions And Answers | Simplilearn

What you need
Adult supervision required, notebook, pen or pencil

Step 1

Decide which kind of expert you want to interview: a teacher a scientist or an artisan

Step 2

Ask an adult to help find and contact a local expert to interview

Step 3

Confirm a date a time and place for the interview with the expert and your adult helper

Step 4

Write 8 to 10 thoughtful open-ended questions in your notebook

Step 5

Practice asking each question out loud one time so you feel confident

Step 6

Ask an adult to set up a quiet space and a recording device for the interview

Step 7

Bring your notebook and pen to the interview location

Step 8

Greet the expert politely and introduce yourself before starting

Step 9

Ask your first prepared question clearly

Step 10

Listen carefully while the expert answers and let them finish before you speak

Step 11

Take short notes of the most important points from each answer

Step 12

Ask one or two follow-up questions about anything you want to understand better

Step 13

Thank the expert for their time and say goodbye when the interview ends

Step 14

Review your recording and notes and write a 3 to 5 sentence summary of your key findings

Step 15

Share your summary and a photo or short audio clip of the interview on DIY.org to show what you learned

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

If I don't have a dedicated recording device or can't find a local expert, what can I use instead?

Use a smartphone or tablet as the recording device and ask your adult helper to arrange a phone/video interview with a remote teacher, scientist, or artisan instead of an in-person local expert.

What should I do if the expert cancels or the recording fails during the interview?

Confirm the date and time with your adult helper ahead of time, bring a backup device or a printed list to take short notes, and ask to reschedule or request a brief follow-up so you can still complete the steps to ask follow-ups and write your 3 to 5 sentence summary.

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, cut the list to 4–5 simpler open-ended questions and have an adult help practice, set up the quiet space, and take notes, while older kids can research beforehand, keep 8–10 deeper questions, and write a longer summary after reviewing the recording.

How can we make the interview more engaging or turn it into a bigger project?

Turn your recording into a short podcast or video, make a photo collage or poster from the interview, compare findings by interviewing two experts, or build a hands-on project from the expert's advice and then share your 3 to 5 sentence summary plus a photo or audio clip on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to interview an expert

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

TEACHER Interview Questions and Answers!

4 Videos

Facts about interviewing and journalism

📝 A clear summary of findings in 3–5 sentences helps turn a long conversation into a memorable story others can quickly understand.

👂 Active listening (nodding, short prompts, repeating back) helps people relax and share more — it’s a superpower for interviewers.

🎙️ Open-ended questions (who, what, where, when, why, how) usually get much richer answers than yes/no questions — great for interviews!

📱 Recording an interview (with permission) means you can stay present during the chat and catch exact wording later for your summary.

🧑‍🔬 Many experts love telling the story of why they chose their field — asking “why did you start?” often sparks the best anecdotes.

How do you guide a child to interview a local expert step-by-step?

Start by choosing an expert related to your child’s interest and setting a goal for the interview. Help your child research the topic and write 8–12 open-ended questions. Practice asking questions and listening at home. Arrange logistics—time, place, and any permission needed. At the interview, begin with introductions, follow the question list but allow natural follow-ups, record or take notes, thank the expert, and later help your child write a short summary of what they learned.

What materials are needed to interview a local expert with a child?

Gather a notebook and pen, a printed list of questions, and a simple recording device or smartphone with spare battery. Bring a consent form or permission note for recording, contact details for the expert, and a small map or directions. Optional items: a camera for photos, name tags, and a clipboard. If interviewing in person, include hand sanitizer and masks if needed. For remote interviews, test the video platform and have a quiet space ready.

What ages is the expert interview activity suitable for?

This activity suits many ages with adaptations: ages 5–8 need a parent to co-write questions and ask or prompt during the interview; ages 9–12 can prepare questions, lead simple interviews with supervision, and write short summaries; teens (13+) can independently research, conduct interviews, record, and create more detailed write-ups. Adjust complexity of questions, duration, and level of adult support based on the child’s attention span and communication skills.

What are the benefits and safety tips for interviewing an expert with a child?

Interviewing an expert builds communication, critical thinking, research skills, and confidence. It teaches kids to listen, summarize, and respect professionals. For safety, always get parent and expert permission before recording, meet in public or supervised settings, or use secure video platforms. Share contact details and itinerary with another adult, check the expert’s background if needed, and prepare a respectful code of conduct so the experience stays educational and safe.
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