Introducing the 2024 NOVA Science Studio student producers who reported on local data-related impacts and solutions

During the 2023-2024 school year, high school students across the country investigated the relationship between big data and its impacts on their local communities as part of the NOVA Science Studio program.

Supported by the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, the NOVA Science Studio was again part of the NOVA Science and Society project. The broader theme of big data and data privacy was the focus of NOVA’s Secrets in Your Data documentary which premiered in May.

The NOVA Science Studio program partnered with teachers in 4 schools who were supported by their local PBS stations. Over the course of 6 months, students engaged in lessons and activities about science journalism,video production, and digital media literacy. Students developed story pitches, conducted research on their topics, and interviewed a wide range of scientists and experts in their communities. Students investigated local issues with connections to data ranging from food insecurity to safe drinking water to vehicle emissions’ effect on health.

During a virtual closing ceremony on May 23, students from participating schools premiered their videos and shared their insights on what they learned from the program.

“The NOVA Science Studio program really helped me learn more about my community by connecting me with people who I might have not otherwise spoken to, and get a better idea of what’s happening in my community,” said Hunter C., a student from Jasper County High School in Monticello, GA.

The final 7 videos have been published on the NOVA Science Studio YouTube channel and are embedded below.

DAVISON HIGH SCHOOL
(Davison, MI)

Flint Water Crisis: 10 Years Later

Student Producers:
Chayton Harris

Description:
In June 2019, five years after the start of the Flint water crisis, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the water in Flint, Michigan was safe to drink. Now 10 years later, what does the data say and how is the community responding?

HORIZON SCIENCE ACADEMY COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL
(Columbus, OH)

Do Trees Make Us Happy?

Student Producers:
Aminatta Jalloh, Brooklyn Stokes, Keariyea Edwards, Ayuub Ahmed, Jermain Chandler

Description:
How can spending time around trees affect our physical and mental health?

How Do Vehicle Emissions Affect Air Quality and Our Health?

Student Producers:
Victor Taylor, Abeer Hassan, Salman Abdullahi, Plamedi Nyamungusha, Solaiman Jalloh

Description:
Columbus, OH has recently faced air quality challenges. How do cars and trucks contribute to air pollution, and how does this pollution affect our health?

JASPER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
(Monticello, GA)

How does population data impact zoning laws?

Student Producers:
Hunter Cleveland, Stephanie Waters, Hollie Prentiss, Kristyn Hulen

Description:
Monticello, GA has steadily experienced population growth over the last decade. How does population data impact local zoning and planning laws in the city?

Tracking food insecurity in Jasper County, GA

Student Producers:
JCHS Film

Description:
How has food insecurity affected Jasper County and what are the efforts Jasper County is taking to alleviate food insecurity?

Where does the pollution in Jackson Lake come from?

Student Producers:
Reese Byrd, Lyllie Penn, Andrew Cumbie

Description:
Where does the pollution in Georgia’s Jackson Lake come from and what efforts are locals taking to clean up the lake?

How data is used for business development in Jasper County, GA

Student Producers:
Brady Eggleston, Francisco Lopez, Dillon McNure, Tyler Pounds

Description:
What data impacts the selection of businesses in Jasper County?