Learn Science Storytelling, Podcasting, and Audio Editing
For grades 6-12 | March & April | Virtual
A free 5-day challenge where you turn a science topic you love into a 60-second audio story. For students in grades 6–12.
What You’ll Do
Find Your Story — Pick a science topic and frame it as a story
Write for the Ear — Draft a 1-minute script that sounds like you, not a textbook
Record It — Record on your phone (no equipment needed)
Share It — Trim your clip and share your first piece of real science content
It’s self-paced, so all you need is a phone and a browser. There are two optional live Zoom sessions per cohort if you want help.
For Parents
Your student will walk away with a finished audio project, real communication skills, and $100 off SciComm Summer Camp 2026.
There is no cost to attend, no equipment to buy, and no commute.
How the Spring Break Studio Compares to Summer Camp
The studio is a free preview. The summer camp is the full experience.
Spring Break Studio (Free)
1 week, self-paced
Try science storytelling
Record a raw 60-second clip on your phone
Basic editing (trim on your phone)
Optional Zoom drop-in sessions
Light feedback
No showcase
Low commitment — just bring curiosity
SciComm Summer Camp
3 weeks, live sessions Tues/Thurs/Fri
Go deep into podcasting, interviewing, and presenting
Create a polished, portfolio-quality final project
Professional editing with Descript
Summer-long cohort with peers
Ongoing feedback from instructor and peers
Live showcase presentation for family and guests
Meaningful commitment — real skills that last
The Spring Break Studio shows students what's possible.
SciComm Summer Camp helps them own it.
FAQs
Is it really free? Yes, completely free.
What does my student need? A phone for recording and a computer or tablet for the modules.
What if they miss the live sessions? No problem — sessions are optional and recorded.
What happens after the Spring Break Studio? Students who complete all 4 modules and submit their final project receive an exclusive $100 discount code for SciComm Summer Camp 2026. The code is delivered by email to the parent/guardian after the studio is complete.
How is this different from the summer camp? The sprint is a sampler - one week, one project, one skill. The summer camp goes deep: 3 weeks of podcasting, interviewing, editing with pro tools, public speaking, peer feedback, and a polished final showcase.
Having trouble completing the form above? Try it here!
What You’ll Learn
Science Storytelling Skills
Content Creation for Social Media
Audio Editing Software Basics
Media Literacy & Digital Citizenship
Who is the Camp Instructor?
Zakiya Whatley is a science communication expert and former biology professor. She's a science writer, filmmaker, podcast producer and host. You can hear her on Dope Labs Podcast, Science Podcast, and Breakthrough. With a deep love for teaching and storytelling, Zakiya brings together science, creativity, and communication to help students amplify their voice.