How to Contact a Researcher
Context
Researchers are busy people. They get lots of emails related to their work, plus, if they're like the rest of us, newsletters, advertisements, bills, event notifications, and perhaps even a few from their friends. You've got to make it through that stream in a way that welcomes an easy response.
Before You Email Them
Start by getting to know them and their research by what is already available online. Look at their Curriculum Vitae: where they studied and what they've worked on. Read the Abstracts of their most recent and notable papers, then skim the rest for interesting details and graphics. Read the Conclusions and Areas for Further Research sections. Check their personal or department website for news about major projects or research areas. You want to be able to describe for them what of their particular research you find interesting and want to know more about.
Introduction
After you've done you homework, create a short email introducing yourself--they has no idea who you are!--and why you're contacting them. At minimum state who you are, your age, what the FLL Innovation Challenge is ("we're challenged to create our own innovative solution to a current challenge in the field of biodiversity."), which problem you're focused on, and why you chose them as a contact.
Familiarity and Questions
Demonstrate your familiarity with their research and work. Mention specific articles of theirs that you've read or research you're interested in.
Then ask some brief, specific, answerable questions--no more than three!--that they could conceivably respond to with ease. Don't ask questions you could probably answer yourself by reading their papers. Ask questions that will help you understand their work, the challenges they face, and potential areas for improvement.
Good Manners
Be polite! Thank them for their time, and if you get a reply, thank them again. If they offer to be of further assistance, don't take it as an invitation to pepper them with a dozen more questions. They're still busy. If they are especially friendly and helpful, you may ask if they'd be willing to hold a brief phone/video conversation to discuss their work and our challenge. Hopefully, when we come up with a possible solution, they will be willing to provide feedback on how to improve it.
References/Additional Advice:
https://www.gmass.co/blog/how-to-email-a-professor/