Elementary Data Science Explorations
These project-based Elementary Data Science Explorations (EDSEs) engage students in key data science practices as they ask questions, collect, analyze, and interpret data from their own lives, and communicate findings.
The EDSEs are designed to be integrated with science, social studies, and/or mathematics in Grades 3-5 classrooms.
There are two different versions of each EDSE:
one version with 4 lessons, and an extended version with 8 lessons. We encourage teachers to use the version that works best for their schedules and goals.
Mapping our Community
What resources do we have in our community? How easy is it for community members to access these resources?
In this EDSE, students...
- collect data from their community
- organize data in a digital spreadsheet
- display data use mapping software
- compare different representations of the same data
- consider applications and displays of data for different audiences
- create a culminating presentation for a particular audience
Wondering about Waste
What can we learn about waste in our school?
In this EDSE, students...
- analyze waste-related data from around the world
- ask an authentic question and collect data about waste in their school
- create data representations to share what they learn
- give and receive feedback from peers
- make claims supported by evidence
- consider actions to take to reduce waste
Tracking our Time
How do people who live in the United States spend their leisure time?
In this EDSE, students...
- examine data from the American Time Use Survey
- make and justify claims based on data
- compare and contrast different subsets of data
- collect data about their own leisure time usage
- create presentations about what they have learned about leisure time
To request additional information, please reach out to Debbie Leslie (daleslie@uchicago.edu), Sarah Burns (burnss@uchicago.edu), or Jeanne Di Domenico (millsjg@uchicago.edu).