The Civic Data Project explores the potential for engaging students in investigations of civic data while learning social studies content and deepening inquiry practices. In the context of this project, civic data is defined as local, regional, or world data gathered by society/community serving organizations to monitor, examine, or address social issues. Using a collaborative co-design process, the project develops resources and activities for the social studies classroom that:
- deepen data literacy,
- empower students in their interactions with civic data, and
- create inclusive experiences connecting data to issues that have meaning and relevance for students and their communities.
Our research explores synergies between data science and social studies education that have potential to deepen how students engage with both disciplines.
Teachers and Researchers Working Together
Collaborating Social Studies Teachers bring their disciplinary lens to the investigation of civic data and work with our interdisciplinary team to explore the potential for engaging students in data inquiry connected to core topics and learning goals in their curriculum.
During summer workshops, collaborating teachers and the project team come together to identify openings for data inquiry in their curricula, explore data directly connected to topics they teach, reflect on the learning and inquiry process, examine resources for engaging students with data, and co-design activities/lessons/projects for collaborating teachers to bring back to the classroom. Throughout the academic year, the project team works alongside collaborating teachers providing coaching, developing materials, and offering ongoing support in the classroom. Adaptable versions of data-rich activities and resources collaboratively developed through this process are made freely available to educators. Learn more.
Funder
The Civic Data project is funded by the National Science Foundation, grant no. DRL- 2247675 . Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
About TERC
TERC is a nonprofit made up of teams of math and science education and research experts dedicated to innovation and creative problem solving. At the frontier of theory and practice, TERC’s work encompasses research, content and curriculum development, technology innovation, professional development, and program evaluation. TERC has a passion for social justice and strives to create level playing fields for all learners, reaching more than three million students every year.
To learn more, please visit https://www.terc.edu/
About Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging.
To learn more, please visit https://www.bu.edu/wheelock/about/