Exploring Numeracy with Diving into Data activity from Data to the Rescue

In this activity, youth visiting the Center for Ocean Observing Leadership create their own dataset by sorting and counting M&Ms from a small bag of candy. Through this hands-on experience, they explore various methods of representing data while making connections to the Data to the Rescue initiative, sparking curiosity about the role of data in real-world problem-solving. 

What We Know

How scientists present their data can make it easier to understand the data in different ways.  As they learn to make sense of data and create their own representations of their data, young people build their data literacy skills and develop their STEM identity.   

As you watch the video below: 

• Notice how youth approach this activity.  Do they seem nervous or eager to dive into the data? 

What We Learned

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

• What did you notice about how the facilitator interacts with youth and the curriculum? 

• How do the youth use the tools that are provided in the curriculum? 

• By the end of the video, describe changes in the confidence level of the youth in their ability to explore data? 

Building Data Literacy Skills

Data literacy flourishes when young people are equipped with strategies to actively engage with data. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, we empower learners to explore and make sense of the world through data. Hands-on experiences play a pivotal role in building these skills, enabling youth to ask meaningful questions, uncover insights, and confidently navigate an increasingly data-driven world. 

Big Idea

Our goal isn’t to turn young people into data scientists but to inspire them to leverage their own experiences while tapping into their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking when working with data. We aim to show that engaging with data can be not only meaningful but also fun and accessible to everyone. 

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).