Science Newsletter Project
Creating Newsletters to Demonstrate Science Concept Understanding
Sep 16, 2008
One strategy for teaching science concepts is through the use of student developed newsletters. This approach involves students in the learning process as they research information, write articles, and present these articles in an individual or class newsletter format. This newsletter project helps students improve their writing skills as they learn how to write in science.
Selection of specific science concepts; such as simple machines, noble gases, earthquakes, and the digestive system are needed to keep the newsletter focused.
Depending on grade level, the newsletter is a class project (elementary/middle) or individual projects (middle/secondary). Besides the advantage of students using a practical means of demonstrating understanding of a scientific concept, students integrate technology tools as they develop the newsletter.
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 Blog or Wiki for viewing by parents and other interested parties. If no paper is used, then this becomes an environmental green project.
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.
- 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.
- Example: Family uses levers and pulleys to remove debris from their home after Hurricane Ike.
Feature Story – a story that demonstrates application of the scientific concept. The story includes an interview with an expert.
- Example: Doctor describes the practical uses of liquid nitrogen for treating patients with warts.
Review – a summary of a newspaper article, magazine article, movie, or chapter in a book describing the use of the scientific concept.
- Example: A review of an article in the November 2001 National Geographic on the human digestive system.
Editorial: a story that argues a specific point of view regarding the scientific concept.
- Example: An argument is presented regarding the human impact on global warming.
Letter to the Editor – a letter from someone who argues their point view regarding the scientific concept.
- Example: A letter from a concerned citizen arguing that humans are not the cause of global warming.
Advice Section – a column that provides advice on how to handle specific issues dealing with the scientific concept.
- Example: Advice on what to do if a tornado is approaching your home.
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.
Sports – a section describing how the application of the concept is used in a sport.
Advertisements – ads by companies or individuals selling products or services focused in the scientific concept.
A newsletter which integrates writing in science provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of a scientific concept. This also helps students internalize the information because of they use the concept in different settings and applications.
This student centered approach in learning science concepts can be used as an ongoing project throughout the school year, thematic unit, or culminating project for a science unit. This project allows students, which addresses multiple learning styles, to be creative as they like in the production of the newsletter; as long as the science is correct.
 |
