EXPERTise

What do fast-food workers and astronomers have in common? They might both be considered experts in their fields. Think about it: Whom would you ask if you had a question about food safety? Or a question about the type of oil used for frying? As science journalists, SciJourn teens have to make choices about whom to interview for an article. Today, we had a lively debate among the teens about whether someone could have expertise without being an expert. Perhaps a high school student would be the go-to person to find out the most popular cafeteria item. That student might not be an expert in food sales or nutrition, but he or she would have expertise in a particular school’s food selection. What do you think? Can someone have expertise without being an expert?