Session 3 Family Guide

Data Science for Young Minds — Tips for families facilitating Session 3: What Is Data?

Overview

Learn that 'data' means information we collect on purpose. The difference between data and random facts.

Facilitating Each Lesson

Lesson 1: The Word 'Data'

Tip: Data means information we collect on purpose to answer a question. It is not just random facts! Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about defining 'data' as information collected on purpose?"

Lesson 2: Collecting Data About Us

Tip: Collect real data: each person's height, favorite color, and number of siblings. Record everything. Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about collecting multiple types of data about a group?"

Lesson 3: Putting Data in a Table

Tip: Organize your collected data into a neat table with column headers. Your data has structure now! Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about organizing data into structured tables?"

Lesson 4: Data vs. Random Facts

Tip: Not everything is data. Learn the difference between information collected on purpose and random trivia. Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about distinguishing between data and random facts?"

Conversation Starters

"What did you learn about defining 'data' as information collected on purpose?"
"What did you learn about collecting multiple types of data about a group?"
"What did you learn about organizing data into structured tables?"
"What did you learn about distinguishing between data and random facts?"