Would You Like A Student Reporting Lab In Your Middle/High School!

Did you know that West Virginia plays host to four PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs? They are located in Nitro, Morgantown and St. Albans and at the Fayette Institute of Technology in Oak Hill.

Participation in these programs gives students the opportunity to grow as young journalists when they complete video productions under the guidance of a Youth Media Producer from PBS NewsHour. They also get support from WVPB news and video production staff.

Curriculum relating to interviewing, editing, script writing and video production is provided, and each year general themes are addressed. This year’s themes are election, mental health, education and justice. Student journalists determine which stories to pursue relating to themes that are most meaningful to them and their communities. Stories are pitched to the Youth Media Producer, and students are mentored through the production process. Finished programs are published on the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs website and may be broadcast on PBS NewsHour, like this one from Morgantown High School in 2019. WATCH NOW!

Learn more about the PBS NewsHour journalism curriculum and how middle and high school students can participate in the program HERE. To inquire about starting a program at your school, or to get more information, contact Margaret Miller at 304-556-4900.

No Nonsense Grammar
Grades 1-6 • Video/Activity Sheets/Background Information • English Language Arts/Writing
If you are working on your story for the PBS Kids Writers Contest here are some short videos and activities to help you use correct grammar in your sentences. Explore a range of commonly taught grammar principles. From the difference between dependent and independent clauses to the correct usage of semicolons, let these resources guide you through the intricacies (and perils!) of everyday grammar. LEARN MORE!

Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History

Grades 9-12 • Lesson Plan/Background Information/Project • Civics/Government • English Language Arts • Psychology • Sociology

Anne Bonny was one of the fiercest female pirates ever to sail the seas and a figure that defied the stereotypes of her time. Using Anne's story, prompt students to select another woman who defies stereotypes and write a creative narrative about her. Use this PBS NewsHour Extra lesson to challenge students’ negative stereotypes toward women and give them the opportunity to use their creative writing skills to produce their own profile on another rule-breaking woman in history. LEARN MORE!

It’s that Smelly Season again! Ramps are an Appalachian delicacy, but their recent popularity has raised concerns about over-harvesting. Learn how to sustainably harvest ramps from local experts in this episode of Edible Mountain, a bite-sized, digital series from WVPB that showcases some of Appalachia’s overlooked and underappreciated products of the forest while highlighting their mostly forgotten uses. The series features experts — from botanists to conservationists. WATCH!