Journalism Lesson: Writing a Feature Article
Lesson Plan
3 hoursGrades9, 10, 11, 12English Language Arts
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Written by Liz Ransom
About this lesson
In this lesson, students explore the role of journalism in addressing the climate crisis by writing a feature article. Students analyze the terms and phrases that most effectively convey the reality of the climate crisis, then integrate their research, interviews, and reporting into a compelling, cohesive story.
Inquire: Students evaluate the first sentences from articles about climate change, learn the format of feature articles, and write an outline for their own articles.
Investigate: Students explore the climate journalism best practice of “know the science but talk like a real person” by rewriting scientific jargon into comprehensible language.
Inspire: Students write, peer review, and edit a feature article about the climate crisis
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Suggestion
- This lesson can be incorporated into an English language arts class, a journalism class, a science class, or a student newspaper club.
- Students learn how to write well by analyzing the work of professional reporters and writers.
- Students take climate action by reporting on a topic of interest and sharing their articles with their peers and the community.
- If needed, the rewriting of the IPCC report sentences in the Investigate section, and/or the writing of the article in the Inspire section, can be assigned for homework.
- Teachers can explore word choice further with this ELA Lesson: Connotation in Nature Writing.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 4 of 4 in our 9th-12th grade Climate Journalism Unit.
- Students should have a basic understanding of how to write an article that incorporates research and interviews.
- Students will use the statement of purpose, research, and interviews from Lessons 1-3 of this unit to write their articles.
Differentiation
- The lesson can be extended by asking students to design the layout of their article, including headlines, infographics, pull quotes, and photos.
- Students who need support can collaborate on producing the article. For example:
- Students can create accompanying infographics and photography.
- Some students in the class can act as editors or focus on the layout of the class newsletter.
- Students can use a generative AI tool to produce alternative versions of the IPCC report language, then evaluate whether or not the statements remain accurate and are easier to understand. Note: Making an attempt to rewrite the sentences on their own first can help students hone in on the most important aspects of the content.
From the scientist review
This lesson emphasizes the significance of including research and scientific data in articles and reports on climate change. Students will gain knowledge of the fundamental components of a feature story as well as the ability to explain climate science and compose feature stories that are captivating enough to be published. Even though the materials didn't contain any science to examine, the lesson passed our science review procedure because the content and sources were appropriately cited.
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About the teacher writer
Liz Ransom
High School Teacher
As a High School Spanish teacher and student newspaper advisor, Liz has taught for over 20 years and has served as World Languages Department Chair and K-6 summer camp activities leader. She has worked in Ohio, Maine, New Jersey, Maryland, and Chile.
