Students in schools and colleges across the East Midlands could become award winning journalists thanks to an innovative new science-based project.
The STEM student journalist activity is open to any pupil or student aged 11-22 years with a passion for science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) and is launched this week by the emda-funded East Midlands STEM Partnership.
Students at Key Stages 3 and 4, plus post 16 and undergraduates will create their own reports on a range of science-related news stories. Ideas can come from schools’ activities, vox pops around the school or college, visits to science projects or simply based on personal STEM interests.
Student reports, which could be as short as 250 words, will be filed by email and the volunteer journalists will be encouraged to create podcasts and video reports as well.
The project aims to combine students’ interests in the media with their love of science, technology, engineering and maths so they become the eyes and ears of the East Midlands STEM Partnership. The overall goal is to use lively stories to stimulate a greater student interest in these subjects both at school and into STEM-related careers.
Andrew Morgan, emda’s Skills and Communities Director, commented: “This is a fantastic initiative which will inspire young people to think about STEM subjects in an engaging and imaginative way. It’s really important that we stimulate interest amongst the next generation of scientists and engineers since they will help the region to flourish, prosper and compete in the competitive global economy. I’m looking forward to seeing how these young people interpret and present their ideas using the latest technology to get their message across.”
Recruited journalists and teachers will be invited to a short briefing in May and a further media workshop in the autumn to help student reporters stay abreast of STEM initiatives before producing their reports. The results will be uploaded to the STEM Partnership website and the most news-worthy items could make their way into the local press. Where possible, links will be encouraged between the volunteer reporters and their local media. There will also be the opportunity for participants to win the STEM Student Journalist Award, which will be announced in December, with prizes including a day with a local media outlet.
For further information about getting involved in this scheme, or for more information contact Louise Third at Integra Communications on 0115 906 1377 or email stem@integracommunications.co.uk