What's the story? Developing Digital Inquiry Skills through Science Journalism

 Final Project for Shaun Kirby

EDC 532 - Professors Kara Clayton and Julie Coiro

December 12, 2023

Fellowship overview

From the development of nano-sensors to detecting nutrients in Narragansett Bay or creating computer models that predict future changes in fish populations, the scope of climate research in Rhode Island is broad, and a critical need exists to communicate this work via narrative to multiple audiences that hold a social, cultural and/or economic stake in the health of the state's ecosystems. This student will "cover" the 2024 SURF program, learning to develop narrative science stories through journalistic practices. 

 

Lesson 1: conducting a close read

This lesson will introduce the student to critically examining what makes a piece of science journalism effective. 

Lesson Plan

Screencast

Close Reading Sheet

Lesson 2: preparing for an interview

This lesson will establish effective principles to prepare for a source interview, including generating questions

Lesson Plan

Screencast

Lesson 3: revising the first draft

This lesson will model constructive feedback, and how to incorporate it, as part of the revision/editing process. 

Lesson Plan

Screencast

First Draft Feedback Sheet

Final presentation

Watch the screencast to the left to recap my final project and my overall takeaways on the course. 

Read Reflective Summary