Junior high students at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School (IMSHS) experienced the world of science journalism through a seminar/workshop hosted by the Department of Science and Technology’s Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).
The event held on March 7-8, 2024, in Quezon City, marked an advancement in the students’ educational journey, immersing them in the dynamic field of science communication.
The workshop offered various sessions, from Science News and Feature Writing to Basic Photography and Photojournalism, insights into Social Media Content Creation, and Layout and Design Principles. These activities were designed to sharpen the students’ journalism skills, particularly in the science field that significantly impacts society.
“DOST-STII will equip you with the competencies and skills to create meaningful science stories and capture compelling images that can change and affect the lives of our loved ones because, through your work, you can explain to them clearly how scientific studies and inventions can make the lives of every Filipino much better,” emphasized DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos.
IMSHS Principal Dr. Modesto G. Villarin acknowledged the crucial role of fundamental journalism skills in making science topics more understandable to audiences. He credited DOST-STII for enriching the school’s academic environment with this program.
DOST-STII’s media specialists such as editor Jasmin Joyce S. Clarin, photographer Henry A. de Leon, social media manager and administrator Allan Mauro V. Marfal, and science research specialist Rosemarie C. Senora, offered valuable strategies for crafting engaging science content online, underscoring the role of media in disseminating scientific knowledge.
The @dost_stii has started this year's Science Journo Ako program to train and encourage Filipino youth to popularize scientific concepts using media. https://t.co/v9GLrQYqUd
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) March 14, 2024
Clarin highlighted the differences between science news and feature writing, providing tips for compelling story angles to captivate target readers.
De Leon shared how the participants’ DSLRs and smartphones can become their best tools for telling an interesting story that can capture the audience’s appetite for what they need and want to see and experience.
Marfal explained the features and type of content and approach that would suit different social media platforms, namely: Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, and how these social media could help popularize different scientific studies and make them more understandable.
Senora explained the benefits of using infographics to help in memory retention, higher engagement, persuasion, and added “cool” factor.
Since its inception in 2015, the Science Journo Ako program has significantly promoted science communication, reaching over 6,140 individuals across various institutions. Its commitment to nurturing a science-literate society remains steadfast, as highlighted by the enthusiastic participation of IMSHS students and faculty.
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