Innovative Approaches to Teaching Science Journalism

Innovative Approaches to Teaching Science Journalism

J1) Innovative Approaches to Teaching Science Journalism

Moderator: James Fahn
Organizer: James Fahn


There may be as many different approaches to teaching science journalism as there are fields to cover. This session is aimed at academics, journalists and communicators who are teaching science journalism in various settings. Panelists are experts in fields that are frequently covered–biology, data, climate and the environment–but the lessons to be learned here can certainly apply to many other fields, as well.

Attendees will learn about the latest innovative and interactive methods to teach journalists working in these fields. For instance, what are the best ways to explain complex topics such as climate change and biotech to journalists who may not have a strong science background and have to cover a variety of beats? What kind of hands-on techniques can be employed to teach data journalism in a fun and engaging way? How can controversial topics be taught so that journalists can report on them to general audiences?

This session will feature brief presentations from the panelists, followed by a robust discussion where we expect the audience will also have innovative techniques and ideas to offer. Other topics, such as how to go about raising funds to support science journalism training initiatives, may be broached.