John Barell has been involved with inquiry ever since he read a book about Antarctic exploration. That book, Alone by Admiral Richard E. Byrd, led to questions about science, survival, and expeditions to the South Pole. Following a tour of duty with the Navy in Antarctica, he began teaching in New York City, continued at Montclair State University, and is now Professor, Emeritus at the university and a consultant at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. At the museum, he helps develop and coordinate educational plans for teachers and students interested in expanding their curriculum offerings to include alternative, more informal settings where their curiosities can freely explore the wonders of our planet—both inner and outer spaces.