Science & Technology

Essential Question

How did science journalism inform the public about both the benefits and harm of scientific advancement?

Overview

Developments in science affect every aspect of life, and journalism plays a role in helping the public better understand these important developments. In this case study, you will analyze news stories of key scientific moments in US history and consider the impact science journalism had on the public. You will also explore the often-neglected stories about women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people who made major scientific contributions and harmful consequences of science developments.

 

Benjamin Franklin wrote Experiments and observations on electricity in 1753. Franklin experimented with electricity, shortly after his arrival in London. Library of Congress

Context

Journalism in Action takes students through both important science and reporting on science through primary source analysis. Using critical thinking skills, students will discern how science journalism functioned historically in society and how it functions now.

Early reporting on scientific discoveries was not very exciting to read. Most articles were written by scientists for scientists. The language of science journalism was not easy to understand for the average person.

In the 19th century, some scientists were hailed for their successes and positive impact on the public. Journalists from major newspapers and periodicals began paying attention not only to new discoveries and inventions but also to their significance on society.

Publications such as Scientific American (established in 1845), Nature, and Harper’s Weekly promoted the wonders of science and its benefit to humankind in a way that the general public could understand. However, journalists primarily reported about scientific achievements made by scientists who were white, male, and straight.

 

Wheat Fan and Sinclair's Sowing Machine. 1822. Library of Congress

In 1934, the National Association of Science Writers, a community of journalists, authors, and editors whose goal was (and still is) to inform the public about science, health, engineering, and technology was created. However, there was a conflict of interest because some science reporters, who often worked for science industries or the government, reported on the benefits of science but not on the harms it caused. 

By the 1950s and 1960s, science journalists began to include in their reporting both the dangerous aspects as well as the beneficial aspects of scientific advancement.  Television, especially public television incorporated science shows, such as Of Science and Scientists into their weekly lineups. 

Many local newspapers had a weekly science page and there were many science magazines such as Popular Science and Discovery. Television began running specials and later, weekly series such as NOVA and Nature that presented science stories on a regular basis.

 

Evening Evening Star. Washington, D.C. May 3, 1950. Library of Congress

During the “digital age” (1940s to present), many traditional news outlets ceased operation. Major science publications like Scientific American, Nature, and Wired are now published online.

Tech inventions like high-speed internet, cell phones and artificial intelligence have led to a boom in YouTube shows featuring tech journalists, experts, and fans discussing economic and ethical implications. 

 

Scientists like Dr. James West, co-inventor of the foil electret microphone used in phones and music equipment, transformed communications technology. West mentored hundreds of women and Black scientists at Bell Labs where he worked for more than 40 years.

Undertold Stories

Prior to the 20th century, reporting on women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ in the scientific community was uncommon, but there were some exceptions.

George Washington Carver was born into slavery at the start of the Civil War. He gained fame improving farming methods by developing techniques to restore nitrogen to soil that had been depleted of the necessary element, and by creating different uses for the peanut. The news media covered the achievements made by Carver, who rarely addressed the discrimination and racism he faced.

Although Carver received media attention, many scientists were left out of media reporting. Alan Turing, for example, a mathematician, logician and cryptographer, who was responsible for breaking the Nazi Enigma code during World War II, was not only not recognized for his essential contribution to helping end World War II, he was also imprisoned for being gay.

Another prime example is Katherine Johnson, a highly skilled mathematician. Johnson accurately calculated the trajectories that allowed the Apollo 11 mission to successfully put the first human beings on the moon. At the same time, Virginia’s segregation laws forced Johnson to use a separate dining and restroom facility at the mostly white and male Langley Research Center of NASA.

During the 20th century, farming became big business as inventions in crop breeding, food processing, and industrialized farming skyrocketed. Broadcast and online news coverage focused on the decline of the family farm and environmental groups and individuals concerned about the damage industrialization was doing to the waterways, oceans, and land.

This subsequently led to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), fast food restaurants, and the decline of the family farm. Through news reporting, the public was made aware of these discoveries and the impact of new farming practices on society and individual health.

It is important to note, that in later years, both Alan Turing (posthumously) and Katherine Johnson were recognized and reported on by news media outlets. The current state of scientific journalism is trending towards equity as journalists cover stories of scientists of all genders, races, and sexual orientations.

 

Shirley Ann Jackson. Permission has been granted for educational purposes only, courtesy of WETA/PBS NewsHour Productions via American Archive (WGBH and Library of Congress).

Shirley Ann Jackson, noted physicist and former head of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and first Black American woman to receive a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said of women scientists, “The demographics of this country are changing. Namely, if you count women and other underrepresented groups, you are talking about two-thirds of the population. So I ask you, how can we ignore 50 percent to two-thirds of the population and believe we are accessing the complete talent pool?”

News Formats

In the 19th and 20th centuries, newspaper and magazine journalists in the US media often promoted invention as a way for individuals to achieve personal success and help advance society.

 

Flint fights lead poisoning with farmers markets and cooking classes. PBS NewsHour; October 21, 2019. Permission has been granted for educational purposes only, courtesy of WETA/PBS NewsHour Productions via American Archive (WGBH and Library of Congress)

One such public health crisis involved young children and other residents of Flint, Michigan, suffering serious health problems triggered by high levels of lead in the drinking water.

State elected officials and business leaders had denied anything was wrong. Alarms sounded by predominantly African-American parents and pediatricians like Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha who finally succeeded in gaining mainstream media’s attention. Prior to that, concerned citizens had turned to social media, online news sources, and community groups to sound the alarm.

Thomas Edison used the media to his advantage in order to sell his inventions. Editors were happy to play along since Edison’s name brought in huge profits and record sales. But inventions rarely occur in isolation. Edison’s inventions (phonograph, motion pictures, electric power) involved a team of brilliant inventors working round the clock

Journalists