SCIENCE AND TECH WRITING
HOW-TO’S
First thing that one should know when writing a science and technology
article it that it encompasses three major parts of journalism. And those are
news, editorial, and feature.
Differentiating Science News, Editorial, and
Feature
1. Science News
Purpose: Inform readers about recent discoveries or updates.
Tone: Neutral and concise.
Content Focus: Factual reporting, highlighting the most important details
first.
Structure: Inverted pyramid, emphasizing key facts at the start.
Audience Expectation: Quick understanding of essential facts.
Length: Short (200–500 words).
2. Science Editorial
Purpose: Present an opinion on a science-related issue.
Tone: Persuasive and analytical.
Content Focus: Analysis of science issues with a clear stance.
Structure: Structured argument with claims supported by evidence.
Audience Expectation: Insight into various perspectives.
Length: Medium (500–800 words).
3. Science Feature
Purpose: In-depth exploration, often through storytelling.
Tone: Engaging and descriptive.
Content Focus: Detailed look at a topic, including background and
implications.
Structure: Narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.
Audience Expectation: Comprehensive understanding of a topic.
Length: Longer (1,000+ words).
Writing a Science and Technology
Article: Key Points
1. Know Your Audience
Define if it’s for the general public, students, or experts, adjusting complexity
and avoiding jargon for broader audiences.
2. Stay Updated and Fact-Check
Use the latest studies and cite credible sources like peer-reviewed journals
and respected experts.
3. Explain Complex Concepts Clearly
Simplify or use analogies for complex ideas without oversimplifying.
4. Distinguish Fact from Opinion
Science News: Focus on objective facts (who, what, when, where, why).
Science Editorial: Provide a viewpoint with evidence, addressing
counterarguments.
Science Feature: Use storytelling to engage but keep facts central.
5. Provide Context
Offer background information and implications for society or the
environment.
6. Use Visuals Wisely
Include charts or infographics that aid understanding and clarity.
7. Engage with a Strong Hook and Flow
Start with an engaging hook, building cohesively through the article.
8. Stay Ethical and Objective
Avoid exaggeration and acknowledge uncertainties or limitations.
9. Revise and Seek Feedback
Refine clarity and, if possible, have an expert review for accuracy.
Philippine Government
Organizations Supporting Science
Content
1. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development
(PCHRD)
Supports: Health research and public health issues.
Content Types: News on health studies, editorials on healthcare policy, and
features on healthcare innovations.
2. Department of Health (DOH)
Supports: Public health and disease control.
Content Types: Health advisories, editorial opinions on health access, and
features on disease prevention.
3. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
Supports: Earthquake and volcanic activity.
Content Types: Earthquake updates, editorial on disaster readiness, and
features on volcano science.
4. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA)
Supports: Weather, climate, and environment.
Content Types: Weather alerts, climate change editorials, and features on
disaster management.
5. Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)
Supports: Nutrition and food safety.
Content Types: Nutritional study news, editorials on food security, and
features on Filipino nutrition.
6. National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
Supports: Recognition of Filipino scientists.
Content Types: Science discovery reports, editorials on science funding, and
features on scientists’ contributions.
7. Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging
Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD)
Supports: Industry and technology.
Content Types: News on tech projects, editorials on renewable energy, and
features on sustainable energy.
8. Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) (under DENR)
Supports: Environmental protection.
Content Types: Environmental policies news, waste management editorials,
and features on biodiversity.
9. Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Supports: Various fields in science and technology.
Content Types: Tech innovation updates, editorials on science education, and
features on Filipino inventions.
10. National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP)
Supports: Basic and applied research.
Content Types: News on research projects, editorials on scientific research
importance, and features on groundbreaking studies.
Why is Sci-Tech Writing
Important?
Writing a sci-tech article is important because it shares important knowledge,
helps people understand new science and technology, and inspires new
ideas. It also helps people think critically, guides decisions by policymakers,
and raises awareness about important issues. By creating an S&T article, you
are not only giving out information in simple that is for a layman, easy to
understand. But your also informing people about it’s dangers and and
positive effects
Made by: John Rey S. Prudenciano – a student of Fransisco Ramos National
High School (FRNHS) as of the school year/s from 2023-2026. Also an official
journalist of the official English student publication of FRNHS: THE
LIGHTHOUSE.
