SCIENCE WRITING FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION

Challenges and Best Practices

Eric SchwartzScience Writing Intern at the

Mentor: Leslie Anne Newell

Science Writing and Society

• Policy Decisions18 States Suing EPA Over

Global Warming

• Science EducationBush Endorses Teaching

'Intelligent Design' Theory in Schools

• Science Research FundingMcCain's Beef with Bears?—Pork

OBJECTIVES

• DEVELOP WRITING SKILLS

• LEARN JOURNALISM MECHANICS

• UNDERSTAND HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT

STATISTICS

• 13 Stories:–Approximately 1/Week

• Story Topics:–Global Warming–Mathematics–Health Issues–Archaeology–Biology–Science History

DEVELOP WRITING SKILLS

•Accurate

•Enjoyable

• Important

•Original

•Understandable

LEARN JOURNALISM MECHANICS

1. Identify Story Topic2. Pitch Story to Editor3. Research Topic4. Interview Scientists5. Check Factual Information for

Accuracy6. Final Edit

UNDERSTAND HOW TO MAKE IMPACT

• Reader Feedback:– Online Comments– E-mails– Phone Calls

• Scientist Feedback

• Citations/Reprinting– Other Newspapers– Websites

POPULAR TOPICS• Most Reader Comments:

– UA Prof Challenges One of Central Beliefs About Global Warming: 1/30/08

• Picked Up by AP, Scripps-Howard:– Low Voltage Helps Increase Chemical Yields:

4/1/08– Researcher Looks for First Sign of Dust: 2/19/08– Cozy Up to Tarantulas, Scorpions, Assassin Bugs at

Educational Show: 3/12/08

• Website Citations:– Science News Websites, Science and Political

Blogs, University Websites, Fox11AZ.com, Turtleback Zoo, NJ,

HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT

1. Politically controversial issue of Global Warming got the most comments and was cited by the most websites and blogs. The title also helped attract comments and citations, especially on conservative websites and blogs.

2. The News organizations like AP and Scripps picked up stories that were unusual.

3. Other websites like Case Western Reserve University cited me because I mentioned one of their scientists.

HOW TO BE A SCIENCE WRITER

• Choose Topics Carefully– Relevant and Interesting– Novel Discoveries or Concepts– Controversial Public Issues (don’t preach)– Local Events, Celebrities

• Headlines are important

• Simplify Concepts, Don’t Dumb Down

• Respect Science and Scientist

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• NASA Space Grant Consortium• Leslie Anne Newell• Arizona Daily Star • AAAS• All the scientists and engineers who

shared their work with me