Data Modeling With Young Children and Their Families in a Science Museum

• In Event: Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: Informal Learning Environments Research Poster Session

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a pilot of a family workshop series designed to introduce young children (5-8 years old) and their parents to core principles of data modeling in a hands-on science center. The pilot workshop was part of a larger project exploring whether and how knowledge about children’s statistical reasoning in formal settings (Lehrer & Schauble, 2002) can: be translated into an informal setting; enrich parent-child mathematical talk; and cultivate children’s understanding of data modeling. The findings presented here suggest the project’s goals can be met, and illustrate how participating families interpreted and represented data they defined, collected, and organized during the workshop sessions. Challenges and recommendations for future applications of this outreach model are discussed. 

Authors

• ChangChia James Liu, New York Hall of Science

• Laycca Umer, New York Hall of Science

• Katherine Culp, New York Hall of Science