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.

August 15, 2022

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

2 women using scientific equipment
news

Science History Institute and Pittsburgh Conference to Present Pittcon Heritage Award to Jeanette Grasselli Brown

The noted analytical chemist, entrepreneur, and researcher will be honored at the 2025 conference in Boston this March.

Dow ad from the 1950s
news

NEH, Open Philanthropy Award Science History Institute More Than $590K in Grants

Funds will support new research projects, including collections archiving and a conference on the history and future of biotechnology.

people studying in a library
news

Applications for 2025–2026 Beckman Center Fellowships Now Open

Researchers can apply by January 15 for various long- and short-term programs, including a new $2,500 fellowship at the British Library.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.