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Using Visualizations to Inspire Curiosity:

How does our environment affect us?

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Lynette Lortz

LBLortz@southfayette.org

@sfCompSci

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Lynette Lortz

South Fayette Township School District

Computer Science

Grades: 8-12

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Our Session Agenda

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Introduction

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Planning Process

The Lesson

Lessons Learned

Challenges

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Using Visualizations to Inspire Curiosity:

How does our environment affect us?

8th Grade

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Planning Process

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Planning Process

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What are the expectations?

  • Fit into 2-3 days (50 minute classes)
  • What is data science and why is it important?
  • Job outlook
  • What is environmental justice and why is it important?
  • Be curious
  • Ask questions
  • Work as a team

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The Lesson

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Day 1

  • What is data science?
  • Job outlook
  • What is environmental justice?
    • Example: DuPont Plant Parkersburg, West Virginia
  • Looking Ten Times Two activity
    • Teamwork
    • Circle Map
      • What do you notice?
      • What do you wonder?
      • Collecting and Analyzing our class data

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Day 2

  • Data Talk
    • American Air Pollution
      • Independently then class discussion
      • What do you notice?
      • What do you wonder?
    • Answer wait time

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  • Earthtime
    • Layer: Fires at Night
    • Focus: Braddock, PA US Steel Edgar Thomson Works

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  • Western PA Regional Data Center
    • Childhood Asthma Rates
  • Breathe Cam
    • What is happening right now?
    • Creates a personal connection

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Challenges & Future Changes

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Challenges and Future Changes

  • Day 1
    • Challenge: Environmental justice meaning
      • EPA definition- “Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.”

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    • Potential Change:
      • Group work to create their own definition of environmental justice

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Challenges and Future Changes

  • Day 2
    • Challenge: Less group work
    • Potential Changes:
      • More group work with open-ended questions and group discussion
        • What do you notice?
        • What do you wonder?
        • How does this affect your community?
      • Share out to class

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Lessons Learned

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Lessons Learned

  • Allow the students to lead discussions
  • Give ample wait time
  • Branch off of others’ ideas
  • Go down the rabbit hole to encourage curiosity

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K-12 Lessons: https://www.youcubed.org/data-science-lessons/

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High School Course: https://www.youcubed.org/data-science-lessons/

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THANKS!

Any questions?

You can find me at LBLortz@southfayette.org.

Connect with me on Twitter @sfCompSci

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