A press release is used to inform people about something.

It provides the basic details to answer the five “W”s: who, what, when, where, and why. In addition, it provides contact information in case someone wants to learn more. Press releases are usually sent to news outlets, such as television and radio stations, newspapers, and magazines.

In this lesson, students will discover what it takes to write an effective press release. They will review a sample press release before writing their own based on a set of guidelines.

The press release that students are asked to write is about a newly discovered animal.

If they have completed Survival of the Fishiest or Desert Sponge, then this lesson will be an extension. Other activities may be suitable as well.

The lesson is available as a downloadable PDF that includes ideas to extend and modify the lesson for different audiences.