I am a middle school teacher and can relate to both sides. You may want to have your daughter talk to the teachers privately. The issue may be when she is asking the question and the depth that she wants to go into. At that point in class it is hard to stop for the in depth answer she needs and wants that only a few will follow. I am sure that the teacher would be happy to assist her and encourage during some other part of the day. I know that I love to get a kid started on some project or investigation to pursue a question or interest.
Sometimes I have students write down questions that come up on post its and give to me after class. That way I can group common questions and see if there is a thread to them and that will drive my response the next class. I also agree about shadowing the gifted program. Middle school kids can be notorious for avoiding the new and embarressing themselves.
