Climate change has enormous implications for the well-being of Americans, from increasing the possibility of extreme heat events and droughts, to fueling stronger, more destructive hurricanes and wildfires. It has also been linked to an increase in the rate of respiratory problems and the spread of certain diseases like lyme disease and malaria.

And people are concerned: More than half of Americans say that climate change is impacting their community, and even more are “interested” in news stories about how it will affect them at the local level, according to the Yale Program on Climate Communication.

With this in mind, the NOVA Science Studio is collaborating with two PBS stations—WHRO in Norfolk, Virginia, and WKAR in East Lansing, Michigan—to teach the next generation of science communicators how to produce short-form science videos about the impact of climate change on their communities. Each station is working with three local schools: WKAR is partnering with Davison High School, Ovid-Elsie High School, and J.W. Sexton High School. WHRO is working with An Achievable Dream Middle and High School, Granby High School, and The Governor’s School for the Arts. The NOVA Science Studio is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as part of NOVA’s Climate Across America initiative.

“We know that climate stories have the most impact when they reflect people’s personal experiences,” says Julia Cort, Co-Executive Producer of NOVA. “We’re so excited to help give students the tools they need to produce accurate and effective climate journalism, highlighting the issues in their own communities and the solutions that could make a difference.”

After a successful pilot run in Boston (2018—2019) and a virtual iteration of the program which reached students across the country (2020—2021), the NOVA Science Studio is re-launching nationally in-person. With six school sites, the 2022—2023 cohort will enroll 15-20 high school students from each site who will learn the basics of science writing and reporting, how to conduct interviews with scientists, and how to film and edit a short-form digital video.

“The NOVA Science Studio is a wonderful opportunity to empower students to explore issues within their own communities and to tell their own stories,” says Laura-Ashley Alegbeleye, program manager of the NOVA Science Studio. “I hope that students will leave the program with a new perspective on the intersection of science communication and society. I also hope that students will feel a stronger connection to their greater communities.”

Providing students with the ability to understand connections between science and social issues is an intriguing aspect of the curriculum for Robin Pizzo, director of education at WKAR. “The fact that an object or phenomenon can be related to, or the cause of, a negative impact affecting our climate creates a light bulb moment for students,” says Pizzo. “For example, burning waste can emit chemicals into the air that can affect air quality and health conditions in a community, which also impacts climate change. Students understanding those relationships are often eager to find solutions. ”

Core tenets of the NOVA Science Studio program include providing students with agency to participate in the creation of programming that features their voices and creative input; addressing digital media literacy issues; and encouraging the development of lifelong skills through the video production and reporting skills taught through the program.

“We hope the students and educators will gain a better understanding of journalism, how to accurately report about key issues such as climate, implementing editorial standards, and learning new techniques in production to create content that will be recognized and viewed on a national level,” says Julie Sochay, senior director of content and communications at WKAR.

Students will be supported by trained journalists and educators as they develop fundamental skills in science storytelling, while also participating in workshops with climate scientists.

“I find the pitch process and the subsequent gathering of information, both scientific and opinion, very engaging and I am excited to see what the students come up with,” says Jason Kypros, site coordinator at WHRO. “We have a large library of finished content, b-roll, and expert resources that will be very helpful for the students as they create their pieces.”

While editorial and production practices are key components of the program, students will also be encouraged to think critically about representation in science journalism as well as the social, cultural, and moral implications of contemporary STEM issues.

“NOVA aims to tell great stories that engage the widest possible audience in the scientific process and to help all people make informed decisions,” says Chris Schmidt, Co-Executive Producer of NOVA. “Our success depends on the curiosity and passion of filmmakers and writers. We’re so proud and excited to help develop the next generation of science storytellers.”

We will be sharing updates about the NOVA Science Studio program and student projects via the NOVA Education Spark newsletter and NOVA Science Studio social media accounts. Follow us on Twitter and YouTube to stay connected!