Session 1 Family Guide

Data Science for Young Minds — Tips for families facilitating Session 1: What Do You Notice?

Overview

Observation is the first skill of data science. Learn to sort, group, describe, and find patterns in the world around you.

Facilitating Each Lesson

Lesson 1: Looking Carefully

Tip: Learn the difference between glancing and observing. Practice describing what you see with precision. Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about what observation means in data science?"

Lesson 2: Sorting and Grouping

Tip: Sort objects into groups using different attributes. Discover that the same collection can be organized in many ways. Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about sorting by one attribute (all red things together)?"

Lesson 3: Finding Patterns

Tip: Patterns are everywhere — in nature, in schedules, in behavior. Learn to spot them and describe them. Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about what a pattern is: something that repeats or follows a rule?"

Lesson 4: Your Observation Journal

Tip: Start an observation journal. Record what you notice using words, numbers, and simple sketches. Take time to let your child explore and share their thoughts.

Try asking: "What do you think about what an observation journal is and why scientists use them?"

Conversation Starters

"What did you learn about what observation means in data science?"
"What did you learn about sorting by one attribute (all red things together)?"
"What did you learn about what a pattern is: something that repeats or follows a rule?"
"What did you learn about what an observation journal is and why scientists use them?"