WHYY Summer Journalists Program Features Science History Institute
Student news report takes an in-depth look at how we tell the stories behind the science that shapes our everyday lives.
The Science History Institute was recently featured on WHYY as part of the public media outlet’s Summer Journalists program, an immersive journalism class for high school and middle school students in the Delaware Valley. The news story focuses on our free museum, offering viewers an in-depth look at our permanent displays, award-winning Downstream exhibition, and Object Explorer touch table.
“I really love the table there,” says one museum visitor interviewed by student reporter Pauli Voelkel (pictured above). “It’s really interesting the way it’s set up and how you can learn about the elements in a really easy and fun way.”
Also interviewed are gallery manager Vaughn Tempesta, curatorial affairs director Jesse Smith, and museum curator Roger Turner, who each emphasize the numerous ways we tell the compelling stories of innovators and scientific discoveries that shape our everyday lives.
Smith asks, “What are the instruments, what are the devices by which we know the world? How do they help us generate knowledge about our environment, about the human body?”
“From the clothes we wear, to the medicines we take, to the water we drink, science is essential and central to all of that,” adds Turner.
About WHYY Summer Journalists
The WHYY Summer Journalists program is for aspiring news reporters and offers intensive multi-week experiences for teens finishing grades 9–12 and a spring break program for middle school students. The project-based programs provide immersive media-production experiences in which the participants work in teams to create original news or film productions in news.
More News
Science History Institute and Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie Name William R. Newman Winner of 2026 Franklin-Lavoisier Prize
The science historian will be honored for his contributions to the history of alchemy on October 7 in Philadelphia.
Science History Institute Joins ArtPhilly’s Citywide Festival with Unique Museum Tour
What Now: 2026 features artist Aislinn Pentecost-Farren, who will tell the history of the climate crisis through the Institute’s collections.
Institute Launches New Museum Tours, Including Touch-Based Program for the Visually Impaired
Unique learning experiences for students, adult clubs, and special groups highlight the science behind minerals, textiles, and fireworks.