Using science-related news stories can help bridge the gap between the classroom and the “real” world. This can provide an opportunity to bring in exciting new developments that, while related to topics the children are studying, extend the science. Big news stories can be used to amaze or enthral the children, and hopefully inspire some to want to be scientists themselves!

There are many different sources of news available. You could bring in real newspapers or use some of the many online sources. Websites such as Newsround from the BBC are specially written for children.

Children’s News Sites You Could Use

• BBC Newsround: A dedicated news website for children, offering timely news coverage and educational content in an accessible format.
• Time for Kids: Provides age-appropriate news stories and educational resources to help kids stay informed about the world.
• Twig Science Reporter: A science-focused news site for kids, featuring the latest scientific discoveries and explanations of current events in science.
• Twinkl News Room: Delivers daily news stories for children, designed to engage young readers with the latest headlines in an educational context.
• Dogo News: A fun and interactive news site for kids, covering current events, science, sports, and more, with resources for teachers and students.
• The Week Junior: A children’s news site providing a weekly digest of global news, along with features on arts, entertainment, and more. (Subscription needed)
• First News: A UK-based children’s newspaper and website offering news, features, and opinion pieces designed to engage young readers. (Subscription needed)
• Scholastic News: Offers news and current events tailored for young readers, complemented by teaching resources for educators. (Subscription needed)

Note: Primary Upd8 is also worth a look if you are an ASE member, but its not been updated for a while. The archive is useful though.

Using News Websites

News videos could be played and discussed as a class. News stories could be printed out and questions added for the children to answer as comprehension activities. Taking stories directly from the source can provide older and more able readers with some challenging content to read. You might choose to read a simplified version out to the class. You could perhaps use an AI tool to produce a simplified version of a news story.

Emphasise the scientists behind the story, particularly if they can help break the stereotypical image of a scientist.

Select news stories related to natural phenomena such as extreme weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, space discoveries) and use them as a basis to explore the scientific concepts behind them. For example, a news story about a recent lunar eclipse can lead to discussions on the Earth-Moon-Sun system and how shadows are formed. News stories on environmental issues (e.g., climate change, pollution) could be used to teach about ecosystems, human impact on Earth, and the importance of sustainability.

Use the news story as a springboard for other work. News articles could be used as story starters for extended pieces of writing, or even poems. Children could rewrite the story for their own news reports and record them as short films or podcasts.

They might even produce a class science newspaper with news stories rewritten from those found online, or even with the results of practical work they have carried out in class.

Select controversial or thought-provoking news stories related to science (e.g., ethical issues in science, debates on environmental policies) to foster critical thinking and discussion. You could use this to spark a classroom debate or discussion where students can express their opinions and learn to appreciate multiple perspectives on the issue.

You could also use news stories as a jumping-off point for research projects, allowing students to explore a current science topic in depth. The students can work individually or in groups to investigate the science topic further, and produce a piece of work or present their findings to the class.

For some resources to help children write their own news stories, take a look at NewsWise from The Guardian.

Have you used real news stories with your class? What worked well? Share your thoughts in the comments.