Project Overview
Data science is a crucial 21st-century competence, shaping professional practices from citing evidence when advocating for social change to designing AI models. However, many K-12 data science tools and lessons are tied to desktop computers or browser-based platforms. The App Inventor’s Mobile Data Science Toolkit (MDST) components and related curriculum guide middle and high school students in engaging with real-world data science practices on phones. Students investigate authentic solutions to community-based issues through visualization and analysis of live sensor data and public datasets.
Team Members
Robert Parks
Prerna Ravi
Evan Patton
Selim Tezel
David Kim
Raechel Walker
Groups
Related Publications
“Data comes from the real world”: A Constructionist Approach to Mainstreaming K12 Data Science Education
Prerna Ravi, Robert Parks, John Masla, Hal Abelson, and Cynthia Breazeal – 2024
Summary: Data science is a vital 21st-century skill, yet many K–12 curricula lack personal relevance and real-world context. This paper introduces a project-based data science curriculum for middle and high school students that emphasizes “author proximity” by engaging them in analyzing live sensor and public data to solve community problems. Designed for educators from all backgrounds, the curriculum includes formative assessments to support student learning in data interpretation, bias evaluation, and prediction. Pilot testing focuses on its usability for non-technical teachers delivering integrated instruction.
Empowering Learners with a Low-Barrier Mobile Data Science Toolkit
Hanya Elhashemy, Robert Parks, David Y J Kim, Evan Patton, and Hal Abelson – 2023
Summary: This paper introduces a novel data science toolkit designed specifically for children, enabling them to create mobile apps integrated with data science capabilities. The toolkit showcases new features that simplify the data science process for young users. Additionally, the paper presents a collection of example apps created using the toolkit, highlighting the versatility and potential of this innovative platform. By empowering children to explore data science through app development, this toolkit opens exciting opportunities for hands-on learning and creative expression in the field of citizen science.