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

在当代科学和媒体中使用的数据可视化越来越多地超越了传统的图形或图表，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学生并没有很多机会去探索这样的数据可视化，或者自己编写。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在中年级的课堂上变得容易。该项目的基本假设是，通过探索和构建自己的数据可视化，学生可以培养数据素养，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方面：(1)研究6-8年级学生对数据可视化的相关知识；(2)开发和研究DataSketch，这是一个基于平板电脑的工具，学生可以创建草图并对其进行编程，以响应档案或实时数据输入。研究将包括访谈、工作室工作坊和基于课堂的研究，以探索：(1)中学生拥有哪些知识和技能，以及需要发展哪些知识和技能来解释和构建数据可视化？(2)如何将数据可视化融入6-8年级的STEM课程？(3)数据可视化对中学生学习STEM核心实践和内容有何帮助？合作伙伴包括大波士顿都会区两所历史上学生人数不足的学校，以及大新英格兰地区的教师。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iccreate to Educate来传播课堂活动和软件。

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.