Newsletters: Science in the News Project

Science Newsletters

One strategy for teaching science concepts is through the use of student developed science newsletters.

This approach involves students in the learning process as they research information, write articles, and present these articles in class science newsletters.

This newsletter project helps students improve their writing skills as they learn how to write in science.

Using publishing tools in classroom computer software programs, students embed supporting images and links in the newsletters.

This format also allows newsletters to be published in a classroom Science Blog or Science Wiki for viewing by parents and other interested parties.

If no paper is used, then this becomes a green newsletter.

Science Newsletter Format

The format of the newsletter uses the following guidelines:

Lead Story – a breaking news story format about the specific scientific concept which is the focus of the newsletter.

One Example: Scientist Discover Earth Shaking News about Earthquakes! Based on research.

Personal Interest Story – a story about people or animals using the scientific concept being studied.

One Example: Family uses levers and pulleys to remove debris from their home after an earthquake.

Optional Newsletter Sections

The following sections are optional and are more likely used when a whole class is involved in the development of the newsletter.

Comic Strip – a student draws a cartoon strip involving the scientific concept or finds one (citing source) which addresses the concept.

Want Ads – advertisements from people searching for or selling products related to the science concept.

Puzzles – word puzzles or other puzzles involving the scientific concept.

Read more about Science Newsletters.