SCIENCE WRITING

GERLIE M. DOMINGO
Casili Elementary School
Anao District
Anao, Tarlac
 Essentials of Science Writing

• presents science and technology (S&T)

in a more acceptable language
understandable to layman

• makes S&T information

easy to understand and

reader-friendly
Essentials of Science Writing

• emphasizes the
socio-economic
impact of S&T in
the lives of people
 Roles of Science Writers

1. As a translator of scientific/technical
jargon into simple and easy-to-understand
term

2. As an interpreter of
S&T for the benefit
of mankind
Science writers provide the scientific
background on breaking news.
Complex Word Layman’s Term
Precipitation Rain
Conjunctivitis Sore eyes

Moringa Oleifera Malunggay

Anopheles Mosquito
 Areas of Science Writing

Discoveries Technology

Health and Medicine Environmental Issues

 Components of Science
Writing
TECHNICAL

• Manifests unity and coherence to the theme/topic

• Has catchy and appropriate headline that is

clear and free of bias

• Contains a lead that is clearly written and focused

on the most important detail
Components of Science Writing / Continuation…

• Follows appropriate style and form

• Uses appropriate terms and lingo to report

and/or discuss events

• Observes rules of grammar and syntax

Components of Science Writing / Continuation…

• Utilizes graphs, tables, sharp, properly cropped

and captioned pictures

• Uses logical arrangement of ideas

• Includes stories that are arranged in decreasing

importance
 Components of Science Writing

CONTENT

• Utilizes facts from interviews, document

review, data analyses, and other reliable
sources

• Presents relevant and timely issues on S&T

• Uses technical jargon to a minimum

Components of Science Writing / Continuation…

• Presents technical and complicated scientific

concepts or ideas in a manner that can be
understood by a wide variety of reader
 Focus of Science Writers

• National and international trends in science

• Environmental issues

• Health updates and programs

• S&T exhibits, seminars

• School science events

WINNING ELEMENTS

• Originality
• Localization
• Novelty
• Thematic Approach
•Proper Attribution
• Competent Judges
Types of Science Writing

1. News
2. Feature
3. Editorial
 gives the 5 W’s and H

 follows the inverted

pyramid structure
where the summary
lead gives the
important details
• presents facts creatively
• gets into the lives of people
• informs and inspires readers
• discusses a critical analysis of an issue
• argues based on facts
• upholds a moral stand
USEFUL TIPS IN SCIENCE WRITING

• Use headings
• Use concise statements
• Use supporting details
• Use your opinions wisely and appropriately
• Avoid absolute statements
Useful Tips in Science Writing / Continuation…

USEFUL TIPS
• Avoid slang
• Do not use contractions
• Use the proper verb tense

• Use active verbs

• Do not misuse scientific terms
• Observe proper attribution
of sources
 Parts
INTRODUCTION
The opening statement must be brief.
Write an impelling lead paragraph.
DEVICES THAT YOU CAN USE FOR THE INTRO:
1. A striking statement arousing reader interest
2. A quotation
3. A narration
4. An order
5. A vital question
BODY
• Write briefly yet clearly
(rarely more than 300 words).
• However, you may use longer sentences
and paragraphs than in the news story.
• Write simply and directly.
• Get to the point quickly.
• Be sincere, rather than ”smart.”
• Write to express, not to impress. (Avoid
‘mema/)
CONCLUSION:
End the editorial appropriately—and with a
“PUNCH.” Suggest a solution
and urge action.
Relate the write-up to the lives of your readers.

.Think of a catchy but not flippant TITLE

 Prepare to win.
Read a lot of materials.
Focus on your goal.
 References
Cruz, C. J. (2010). Campus Journalism and School Paper Advising. (2nd
ed.) Manila: Rex Book Store.

DepEd memorandum No.9, s 2014. National Schools Press Conference

(NSPC) 2014 Guidelines.

Harkrider, J. (1996). Getting Started in Journalism. Illinois: National

Textbook Company.

Kemper, D. et al. (2000). Writers Express A Handbook for Young Writers,

Thinkers, and Learners. Massachusetts: Great Source Educational

Group, Inc.

Khan, R. E. (2010). Campus Journalism. Mandaluyong City: Anvil Publishing.

Soriano, R.F. and Henson, R.M. (1999). A Primer on News Organization

and 27

Techniques (With Exercises). Manila: Booklore Publishing