NSELA 2020 Leadership Summit

This session will provide a brief overview of Science Storytellers, a public engagement program that gives elementary-aged children the opportunity to interview scientists in the manner of science journalists, and to then write about and share their stories. Using this as a springboard, the session will introduce how to apply the tools and skills of journalism — asking questions, conducting research, constructing a compelling narrative, and more — in teaching and learning. We also will consider how approaching science as a journalist stands to improve students’ media literacy, the ability to assess a story’s credibility and authenticity. This essential skill will help equip today’s students to combat science denialism and misinformation, and teach them how to become critical, savvy consumers of the media that is an increasing part of their daily lives.

During this session, participants will learn strategies for incorporating the process and tools of journalism into their science teaching, and will consider the role of narrative in formal and informal learning. They also will explore intersections between the practices of journalism and the practices of science as outlined in the NGSS.