Exploring Raw Datasets
There’s just something about exploring a new to you dataset. No agenda, no predetermined storyline for the data. Not often enough do students get to approach a new dataset with curiosity, wondering what questions are waiting to be asked and answered, and what those answers may hold. Exploring a dataset can be an intellectual thrill all it’s own, and DataClassroom is here to help you bring that experience to your students.
These datasets are set up for students to explore through open inquiry. We have included just enough information to allow students to understand what the variables are and how the data were collected, but no leading questions are included to push students towards one line of investigation or another. It’s messy, it’s quickly iterative, and it’s a beautiful reflection of the actual scientific process as it often unfolds outside of the confines of the textbook version of the scientific method.
Ready to check them out? Find all raw datasets logging into DataClassroom and navigating to the datasets section in DC (under the browse button at the top of the screen), and select Raw under Dataset type.
All DataClassroom raw datasets have a Raw icon attached.
Once you are looking at the dataset, you can navigate over to the attachments. Each dataset has an Assignment document, which is identical no matter which dataset you are looking at. Additionally, you’ll see a Background document, describing how the data was gathered and clarifying variables.
