What is Data Science?
The science of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Combines the use of computers, math, reading & writing skills.
Why Data Science?
Relevant Skills for Today's World
Students learn how to engage with data and not just take it at surface value. So much data is at their fingertips. They learn how to read, analyze, and produce data responsibly.
Multiple Entry Points for Learning
California has made Data Science a 3rd-year math equivalent in high school. Many students who may not be comfortable with the traditonal math pathways have found Data Science to be an encouraging path in their math career. Many who may have never taken an AP course, find themselves able to transition from the Data Science course into AP Statistics. Students with learning needs, such as Special Education and English Learners, have an entry point into higher level math.
Develops Critical Thinking & Writing Skills
A side benefit to Data Science is that students learn to read and write critically. Their written analysis in form of weekly graph interactions, data analysis presentations, and full-blown capstone projects on a topic of their choosing give students avenues to grow in this area.
Incorporates Computer Science Skills with a Purpose
Students gain computer programming skills that assist in their analysis of the data. Students with no computer programming background find they are fully interested in programming by end of the course. Students with programming backgrounds expand their skills and use them to answer real-world quesitons with current data. They see how this computer programming knowledge opens the doors to answer real-world questions.
Assessment is Mostly Formative
Students are assessed using video, Google Forms, projects, and written papers. The topics are mostly of their choosing. "What did you notice this past week?" "What did you wonder about?" The projects offer choice. We have even incorporated student-created projects. The growth seen in every student is staggering. They truly enjoy sharing what they have learned. It all leads to more questions, and the cycle begins again.
Meet Joy STraub
Bio
Joy Straub is one of the leading K-12 Data Science pioneers in the US. She retired June 2023 after 35 years as teacher/administrator including teaching Intro to Data Science for 6 years and AP Statistics for 8 years at Mission Vista High School in Oceanside, CA. She launched the first high school Data Science course in San Diego county, and one of the first in California. Her class was incredibly successful, with enrollment increasing by 800% in the first year. In her classroom, she blended several projects from the IDS curriculum at UCLA into Bootstrap:Data Science, and has added new projects and activities to the mainline Bootstrap curriculum. She saw enormous growth in all of her students, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to engaging, rigorous Data Science instruction. Her success has garnered national attention, and she has advised numerous districts and universities on their Data Science initiatives.
A large part of her teachnig years were spent in middle school Math, with the last 10 years in high school Mathematics. She was an engineer with a large aerospace industry for her first 5 years out of college. This experience, which included computer programming, coupled with her passion for math and for students to love math has led her to a passion in Data Science.
