Students Explore the Power of Media and Film in Journalism
Educator Rosalia Soria once sat in the same classrooms her students now fill at Bridge Street Elementary School in Los Angeles. Today, she teaches fifth grade at her alma mater, turning a childhood dream into a full-circle reality. “We need to raise up the next generation of leaders,” said Soria, who is deeply committed to helping students see themselves as curious thinkers and changemakers.
As a former science ambassador for Bridge Street, Soria understands the importance of weaving science into the broader curriculum. She also believes that science is most powerful when it intersects with other disciplines, including storytelling, media, and journalism. That belief came to life when she and Educada project director Caden Choi organized a journalist visit for a group of third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students at Bridge Street. They welcomed multimedia journalist Andy Robinson for an engaging and immersive learning experience.
Robinson took students on a journey through his work documenting the natural world using science, technology, and film. Through photos and videos from his reporting, he showed students what it means to ask thoughtful questions, dive deep—sometimes literally—and build a compelling story that informs and inspires an audience.
Students learned that journalism is more than reporting facts; it’s about curiosity, persistence, and perspective. Robinson explained how each story begins with a question and grows through observation, research, and a willingness to explore the unknown. His work sparked excitement as students saw how cameras, microphones, and technology can be tools for discovery.
The visit also highlighted the importance of whose stories are told. Caden Choi opened the conversation with a presentation focused on underreported stories and why they matter. She asked students how they and their families get their news, prompting hands to shoot up across the room. Students shared that they learn about the world through television, social media, family conversations, and school—realizing that news can come in many forms.
As the discussion unfolded, students reflected on how media shapes what we see and understand about the world. They were encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and consider whose voices might be missing from the stories they consume.
By the end of the visit, students weren’t just learning about journalism—they were imagining themselves as storytellers. For Soria, that was the goal all along. By connecting science, media, and real-world storytelling, the experience empowered students to see learning as something alive, relevant, and deeply connected to the world beyond their classroom walls.
