CAREER: DataSketch: Exploring Computational Data Visualization in the Middle Grades

当代科学和媒体中使用的数据可视化越来越多地超越传统的图形或图表，使用特定问题的图像和计算技术来揭示感兴趣的模式。然而，K-12学生没有太多机会探索这种数据可视化，或者自己创作。这个项目的目标是设计软件工具和课堂材料，使探索和创作数据可视化访问中年级教室。该项目的基本假设是，通过探索和构建自己的数据可视化，学生可以发展数据素养，学习核心数学和科学内容，并以强大的新方式参与关键的STEM实践。该项目涉及两个相互关联的部分：（1）研究6-8年级学生与数据可视化相关的知识，以及（2）开发和研究DataSketch，这是一种基于平板电脑的工具，供学生创建草图并对其进行编程以响应存档或实时数据输入。研究将包括访谈，工作室研讨会和基于课堂的研究，以探索：（1）中学生有什么知识和技能，需要发展，解释和构建数据可视化？(2)如何将数据可视化整合到6-8年级的STEM课程中？以及，（3）数据可视化对中学生学习STEM核心实践和内容有什么作用？合作伙伴包括两所历史上服务不足的学校在大波士顿都会区的学生人口，和教师在大新英格兰地区。在塔夫茨大学学习计算机科学与教育的本科生和研究生有机会在参与的中学网站进行研究和推广。有可能通过乐高、塔夫茨工程教育和推广中心以及iCreate to Educate传播由此产生的课堂活动和软件。

Increasingly, the data visualizations used in contemporary science and media move beyond conventional graphs or diagrams to use problem-specific imagery and computational techniques to reveal patterns of interest. K-12 students, however, do not have many opportunities to explore such data visualizations, or to author their own. The goal of this project is to design software tools and classroom materials that make exploring and authoring data visualizations accessible in middle grades classrooms. The underlying hypothesis of the project is that by exploring and constructing their own data visualizations, students can develop data literacy, learn core math and science content, and engage in key STEM practices in powerful new ways. The project involves two interrelated strands: (1) research on grade 6-8 students' knowledge related to data visualization, and (2) the development and study of DataSketch, a tablet-based tool for students to create sketches and program them to respond to archival or live data input. Research will include interviews, studio workshops, and classroom-based studies to explore: (1) what knowledge and skills middle school students have, and need to develop, to interpret and construct data visualizations? (2) how data visualization can be integrated into the grade 6-8 STEM curriculum? and, (3) what role data visualization can contribute to middle students' learning of core STEM practices and content? Partners include two schools with historically under served student populations in the Greater Boston metro area, and teachers across the greater New England region. There are opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students studying Computer Science and Education at Tufts University to conduct research and outreach at participating middle school sites. There is potential to disseminate resulting classroom activities and software through LEGO, the Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach, and iCreate to Educate.