Data Literacy: Making Sense of Data for Math and Social Studies Teachers
February 7 and March 7 (2-night series)
UA Gould Simpson Building, Room 849
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Dinner will be served at 5 p.m.)

As society becomes more steeped in “big data,” do you and your students feel a sense of information overload? Do you want to bring data into the classroom that both you and your students would find relevant? You can use data in your classroom to help students discern the truth and dispel the myths! Both math and social studies teachers use data but often approach it from different angles (‘punintentional’). Math teachers may have students analyze real-world datasets so students learn the power of statistics to inform real-life decision-making. Social science teachers may want to push students to critically examine datasets used in political or economic decision-making from a quantitative perspective. We hope you will join us to see how these angles are truly complementary! On February 7 and March 7, the CRR, in cooperation with the Thomas R. Brown Foundation, will present a two-part series on statistical literacy, using datasets applicable to economics, U.S. Government, and other social science courses. The workshop will be comprised of approximately 50 percent each math and social science teachers, so you are guaranteed kindred spirits whichever subject you teach. This workshop will examine:

• How data can spur us to ask questions
• Data has underlying assumptions and definitions
• Questions we should ask about a dataset/ becoming a data skeptic
• The strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of a given dataset

In-between the two sessions, you will use data with your students so that you may report back at the second session. We will provide excellent instruction from a PhD mathematician and real-world data analyst, and you will leave this series better equipped to use data with your students. In addition, we will feed you dinner and provide certificates for professional development hours. This workshop is most suitable for middle and high school teachers.

There is no fee for this workshop, but you must register. Register through the UA Mathematics Department Google form here: