Promoting Data Literacy in Social Studies Through Data Visualization Construction: Bar Graphs and E-Textile Projects (Poster 43)

• In Event: Saturday Poster Session 1:15 pm
  In Poster Session: Advanced Technologies for Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

To explore approaches for developing data literacy in social studies, we designed and implemented a curriculum in a seventh-grade classroom focusing on the loss of tribal lands in Montana. We analyzed two student-constructed data visualizations - a bar graph and an e-textile project - to understand the advantages and limitations of various approaches used to engage students with historical data and the narratives behind it. We observed that challenges arose during the creation of the bar graph. Although students favored the hands-on nature of the e-textile projects, they struggled to interpret the e-textile data visualization within its historical context. We recommend further studies to explore the potential of various technologies and their affordances for better integrating data science into social studies.

Authors

• Mengying Jiang, Utah State University

• Kristin A. Searle, Utah State University