Preschool Data Scientists

Figures & data

Table 1 Digital journal features.

Preschool Data Toolbox
This digital app guides teachers and children through data investigations and embeds tools to foster data talk discussions focused on understanding what the data means.
The app scaffolds the investigation process, beginning with a name for the session and entering the research question. For example, the teacher asks children whether they would rather be a cat or a dog.
Next, teachers select the type of graph they want to use—a bar graph or a tally chart. Bar graphs allow for 2–7 categories and tally charts allow for two categories.
Teachers can select the range and category labels for this investigation. Using the camera feature allows participants to take a picture of anything and use it as a category label.
Data is entered by tapping the icon and using the plus or minus buttons to input data to the graph.
Tools at the bottom of the analysis screen allow teachers and children to draw on the screen.
Change the way data points are viewed, from a pictograph representing each data point, to a block, to a full bar.
The green and purple sorting icons can be used to sort categories ascending, descending, or drag-and-dropped in any order on the graph.

Gracie & Friends®/©2014, 2022 WGBH Educational Foundation

Table 2 Description of activities.

Investigation	What did children do in this investigation?
What Do We Wear?	Activity 1: Data scientists observe an attribute of their own clothing and sort themselves based on it. Activity 2: Data scientists sort and graph clothing in the classroom’s dress up area (or cards with illustrations of clothing on them). Activity 3: Data scientists compare two graphs and discuss their similarities and differences.
Animal Data Shuffle	Children create a series of graphs focused on attributes of animals and people. Activity 1: The teacher reads a book (Five Creatures by Emily Jenkins) and the class creates pictographs in the app based on character attributes. Activity 2: Each data scientists receives an animal card and sorts themselves based on how the animals move and the number of legs the animal has. Activity 3: Data scientists view the pictographs, body graphs, and bar graphs created and discuss the data.
The Hungry Caterpillar	Activity 1–3: Data scientists create a series of graphs focused on how many pieces of food the caterpillar in The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (1994) ate each day. Activity 4–5: Data scientists vote for their favorite fruits and vegetables, make graphs of each, and compare and discuss them.
Our Feelings Freeze	Activity 1–3: Data scientists create three graphs about their feelings at different time points—in the morning, in the afternoon, and after striking a “silly” pose—then create graphs, and compare the graphs to discuss what the data shows.
Frame It	Activity 1–3: Data scientists predict, sort, and create graphs of the different objects they see within a frame placed outside. For example, how many leaves, acorns, and sticks are on the grass inside the frame?
Measure with Me	Activity 1–3: Data scientists use three units of measurement (e.g., their bodies with arms outstretched, their bodies with arms by their sides, and their shoes) to measure an area of the classroom (e.g., circle time rug), create a graph, and compare these measurements.
Create-Your-Own Investigation #1 and #2	Teachers help data scientists generate their own research questions, either related activities already happening in the classroom or based on children’s interests. Then they select categories, collect the data, create a graph, and discuss the data.
Design-Your-Own (Data Story)	Teachers help data scientists select an investigation theme with multiple research questions. Then they engage in those investigations and use the app to create an annotated description of their investigation process, including text describing their questions and findings.

Carle, E. 1994. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Puffin.

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