Science and Health/

Technology Writing

Al Bambino M. Camino, MT II
Regional Trainer
School Paper Adviser
The ECHO – Vinzons Pilot HS
Division of Camarines Norte
 3 Main Reasons
➔ Way of Life
The application of science now form
part of our contemporary way of life.

➔ Development
Filipino tax payers are the main
supporters of science researches and
development of today.

➔ Science Itself
Science is mankind’s most intellectual
attainment.
It is therefore imperative that
there should be some individuals
to break between scientists and
the public.
Formula for an effective
S&H/T Writer?

20% aptitude to learn to

communicate and
80% good translate science and
journalism technological discoveries
and inventions.
“Science writers, like - Anthony Tucker
all other journalists, Science Editor
The Guardian – British newspaper
must have an
insatiable appetite for
reading, and the best
are endowed with a
memory like a filing
cabinet.”
 In the field of
newspapering...
➔ Degrees or diplomas in science
journalism are not prerequisite for hiring
➔ “nose for science news” and knowledge
where and how to get there:
a. Alert mind
b. Aptitude for investigative work
c. Up-to-date knowledge of
developments in sci-tech
Science and
Health/ “expressing S&H/T in a
Technology more acceptable language
understandable to layman”
Writing
 1. As translator of scientific or
technical jargon into simple
and easy-to-understand
terms; and

S&H/T 2. As interpreter of S&H on

their benefits to mankind.
Writer
wears two
hats....
S&H/T Writing
✓ An art because it uses the fine
style inherent to any writing craft.

✓ A science because it uses a set of

rules and procedures to follow in
developing science stories for
easy understanding among its
readers.
 Scope of Science and
Health/Technology Journalism:

• Science articles could be categorized as:

Science News
Science Feature
Science Editorial
Science &
Health/Technology
Feature:
●Interesting write-ups on science and
health facts, not fiction;

●Done in a very imaginative, creative,

and interesting, manner.

●Deals with events, people, trends,

and processes in science and
technology
Elements of Science &
Health Feature:
➔ Degrees or diplomas in science journalism
are not prerequisite for hiring
➔ “nose for science news” and knowledge
where and how to get there:
a. Alert mind
b. Aptitude for investigative work
c. Up-to-date knowledge of developments
in sci-tech
 Characteristics of Science & Health/Technology Feature
May be in any length, from
short human interest to
May inform, instruct, or
long magazine article
advise in an entertaining
way.

Uses imagination, but not Uses catchy

fiction beginning/novelty Written in “friendly tone”
with an intention to “talk”
to readers
So what’s in
it for me?
 Structure of Science and Technology Article
1. Eye catching headline/title
2. Introduction (opening paragraph )
- use catchy beginning/novelty
- start with the S&H/T issue or
problem
- narration (character)
- examples
- figures/numbers
3. Body (provide questions)
- Search for solution/s
- Elaboration of facts
4. Conclusion (closing paragraph)
- reiterate beginning
- give conclusion
- recommendation
Steps + Technique in Writing
S&H/Technology Feature

Eye “Superman of
catching
headline/ Motherhood
title and Childhood”
 Nene is a cheerful child with no idea of what are the
things outside her world. At the age of 14, she already goes
to a menstrual cycle, aware of what it is, still she’s playing
outside. She’s in love with a 16 year-old guy in their
neighborhood and so things got rumbled, until she noticed
that her menstrual cycle stopped, with her parents noticing
it too, they confirmed that Nene is pregnant. At the age of
15, Nene gave birth to her child with her life as a toll.
 Nene, is not only one with case like this. More than
4,000 women die from childbirth each year with 40,000
newborns’ lives taken concluding for the government to
state that an average of one woman and nine newborns
die every two hours.
Introduction (opening paragraph )

Are these evident?

• use catchy beginning/novelty
• start with the S&H/T issue or
problem
• narration (character)
• examples
• figures/numbers
What did the government do?

Government launched “Lakbay Buhay

Kalusugan Campaign” with National Center for
Healthformation and assistance from USA Agency for
International Development (USAID) that will help
promote health Education on different places in the
Philippines.
Steps+Technique in Writing S&H Feature

Body
• Search for solution/s
(provide
questions)
What was its purpose?

“Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Campaign” has the

purpose of; promoting Universal Health Care; model
public-private partnership in health promotion and
service delivery, urging individuals to have a care-seeking
behaviors and demand for quality health care services
and securing the commitment of local media in making
people participate by creating stories. Not only this is
their purpose, they also promote safe motherhood and
childbirth.
Who are the target of this campaign?

“Lakbay Buhay kalusugan campaign targets

generally different people dividing into two; primary
which is composed of men and women with ages 19-49
and secondary composed of local leaders, health officials,
health service providers, local media, private sectors and
civic organizations. They also target different locations
nationwide.
Steps+Technique in Writing S&H Feature

Body • Elaboration of facts

 With “Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Campaign” on the
run, cases like Nene’s might still be diminished, arising
hope for the newborns to witness the beauty of the world
and taste the delicious tomorrow of their future lives.
Conclusion (closing paragraph)

Are these evident?

• reiterate beginning
• give conclusion
• recommendation
Note: Unedited copy

1st Place – Science and Health Writing

Regional Schools Press Conference 2013

John Gil Panotes

Coach: Lovella B. Avellana
Moreno Integrated School
Division of Camarines Norte
Salmonella
Salmonella species are intracellular pathogens,[6] of which certain
serotypes cause illness such as salmonellosis. Most infections
are due to the ingestion of food contaminated by
feces. Typhoidal Salmonella serotypes can only be transferred
between humans and can cause foodborne illness as well
as typhoid and paratyphoid fever. Typhoid fever is caused by
typhoidal Salmonella invading the bloodstream, as well as spreading
throughout the body, invading organs, and secreting endotoxins (the
septic form). This can lead to life-threatening hypovolemic
shock and septic shock, and requires intensive
care including antibiotics.
Relevant?

Connect?
RSPC
2024
 Headline:

US, Ph scientists shed light on

alternative properties of silicate
glass
Gabriel V. Ibis
Introduction / Lead:
Relevant
issue?
Connect?
Conclusion:
 NSPC 2024
#1 Stable carbon isotope ratio analysis of
Philippine honeys for the determination of
adulteration with C4 sugars
ABSTRACTS:
#2 Portable method for the rapid detection of
honey adulterated with C4 sugar using Handheld
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (hXRF) and
logistic regression

+ Introduction (in 3 paragraphs)

Headline:

UP scientists find "sweeter"

way in honey production
Gabriel V. Ibis
 S&T Writing Winners

Floriane T. Taruc Juliana Cate Allaga

Kaye Angela Pabico
(2014) (2016) (2019)