Thinking with Data: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach

Kent State University, Kent OH

Investigators

Abstract

This project is developing a data literacy curriculum for 7th grade students which will be composed of four two-week units to be taught in social studies, mathematics, science and English courses. The curriculum will utilize data on water use and quality in Ohio, chosen because other communities will have comparable data to modify the curriculum to meet their needs. Central to the curriculum will be the issue of fairness and how data are used to make societal decisions. The curriculum will be pilot tested and field tested in three middle schools in Ohio. Research will be conducted on the efficacy of an instructional model called Preparation for Future Learning (PFL). The underlying tenant of this model is that learning is enhanced if students become familiar with a problem and its context before a solution is developed. In this case, the social studies unit will be the preparation for the learning that will occur in mathematics and science.