Communicating Data with the Data Jam activity from Data to the Rescue

In this activity, youth focus on communicating their understanding of the penguin data they’ve been studying. Youth work together as a team to create a Data Jam, a creative project or expression to tell the science stories of the penguins of Palmer Station, Antarctica.  

What We Know

Having the skills to communicate data to others is an important part of data literacy.  Further, creativity and collaboration increase youth involvement and exposure to diverse perspectives. 

As you watch the video below: 

• Think about how math and data skills directly contribute to the youth’s success in communicating their data effectively. 

• How did the youth collaborate in the creation of a wall mural to communicate the data trend of the penguins at Palmer Station? 

What We Learned

Now that you’ve watched the video, reflect on what you saw. 

• How did youth communicate their data in a creative way? 

• What are other ways you could guide youth in displaying similar data? 

Building Data Literacy Skills

Youth will learn how to communicate data with others.  We want them to have the creative skills to tell a story with data and the ethical skills to know when data is being manipulated to tell false stories. 

Big Idea

Communicating data in ways that are engaging and easy to understand is an important skill for scientists. When youth explain their data to their peers and leaders, they increase their confidence and understanding. 

Find the full Data to the Rescue Curriculum, including an at-home version for individual learners and a club version

https://polar-ice.org/polar-explorer-adventures/

Developed in collaboration with Rutgers University (4-H) and Rutger University’s Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RU COOL).