What makes news?
News means different things to different people, so consider your target audience when deciding whether something is newsworthy.
News often reports something which is the first, the biggest, oldest, funniest, etc. In other words, it has never happened before. The STEM Student Journalist project is the first of its kind in the UK and has already gained strong press coverage.
How do you find the STEM-related news stories?
There are a number of routes to finding news or feature stories. For example:
-
Visit organised STEM shows and events
Students can visit some of the many STEM-related exhibitions and events held in the East Midlands and report on their observations. A full list of events is regularly updated on the STEM Partnership website.
-
Act as a STEM reporter
You may be called on to report on a story or opportunity generated by the East Midlands STEM Partnership. This could involve visits to interview local companies, an interview with a celebrity scientist, or a visit to the local radio or newspaper to find out how they report on science stories. Keep a look out on the events page of the website.
-
STEM studies in school or college
Why not report on a science experiment, why you love mathematics, what inspired your physics teachers to teach – the possibilities are endless.
How to create a report:
- Plan your story.
- Identify the theme.
- Discuss with others how your story can be effectively reported.
- For advice on how to create a great report view ex-BBC journalist Rob Pittam’s 'top tips' document in the related content section.
What will happen with your report?
- If the news item has been planned in school or college you may already have an immediate use for the report within school communication channels such as a website, newsletter etc.
- The SSJ team will arrange for a variety of reports to be posted on the East Midlands STEM Partnership website.
- With your permission the SSJ team will take the most newsworthy items and talk to the local press/radio station.
Terms and Conditions:
- All STEM reports must be checked and cleared with staff.
- Students should report accurately and fairly, especially when quoting or representing someone else, their ideas or actions.
- Students should not make direct contact with the press. Educational establishments should go through the SSJ team if contact with the local media in relation to a STEM Student Journalist project is a possibility. This is to avoid any confusion or duplication of effort.