Young STEM Journalism Articles

This article was written by an outstanding participant in Double Helix’s Young STEM Journalism Bootcamp!

This year, Letterly partnered with Double Helix to launch the inaugural 4-week program, inviting students aged 8 to 18 to write science news articles on the topics that matter to them! This article went through multiple rounds of editing with 1-to-1 feedback from Letterly’s highly qualified and passionate writing coaches. 

Students were asked to research topics about the most innovative and world-changing current events in the STEM world, ranging from AI in education, to genetic engineering, to gophers saving volcanic plains!

Articles written by Students

In March 2025, South Korea is set to introduce textbooks powered by AI. This upgrade in public school systems will cost up to $276 million dollars. South Korea believes in becoming the world leaders in electronic education and AI learning. So, what does this mean for everyday school students in Australia? Will your next teacher be a robot?
⁠Recent data and coral surveys from CSIRO have recorded that a natural phenomenon is occurring in continental drop-off zones where the East Australian Current raises cold water closer to the surface causing the “localised” parts of the reef to be temporarily cooler than other parts. This is important because recent coral bleaching events have impacted over 90% of coral species, and any chance for the coral to adapt to the rising temperature could be vital for the survival of the Great Barrier Reef and its inhabitants.
Recent trials at RMIT University investigated the usage of textiles in concrete. Surprisingly, over 70% of textiles can be used in concrete. This means that even some of the most un- recyclable materials like fire-fighter gear can be used. This is significant because recycling these materials causes a reduction in landfill and pollution. By using fibrous materials and textiles, the concrete is essentially ‘bound’ together, avoiding cracking and breakages.
The push for schools to incorporate AI into the education system has surged in recent years, especially with AI models like ChatGPT becoming increasingly popular. Students have started to heavily utilise AI models for many aspects of their learning, but the question remainds: does AI belong in schools?
The dream of swinging from buildings like a superhero is one shared by many. While the ability to support human weight with a web isn’t possible yet, some US scientists have developed artificial silk that can lift objects up to 80 times its own weight. This material is not only stronger than natural spider silk but also provides possible applications in various industries such as medicine and construction.
You are in a restaurant and the server comes up to take your order. You think about getting grilled steak, but you decide to go with some seafood-- or more specifically, fish. Most likely, your meal comes from a “farm” for farming fish (in the water, of course). We are going to talk about a few new fish that were discovered in the past few years.