Data in the Classroom
NOAA
Pedagogical approach
Accessing historical and real time scientific data offers exciting teaching opportunities, yet teachers face many challenges utilizing data and incorporating it into their teaching. NOAA possesses an array of observing systems that monitor oceanic, atmospheric, and terrestrial parameters, but what's missing — according to an assessment by the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve — are relevant, easy to use curriculum activities that put real time data into an exciting and compelling context as well as simple, intuitive computer interfaces for accessing online data.
Data in the Classroom aims to help fill these gaps by creating online curriculum modules that integrate tools for accessing NOAA data. In addition to providing a virtual platform with data tools and simulations, the lessons allow students to interact with the content through multiple modalities. Each module contains five scaled levels of interaction: entry, adoption, adaptation, interactivity, and invention. Entry and adoption levels are teacher driven. However, they are important first steps when learning something new. The levels of adaptation through invention are more student directed and open up opportunities to design lessons featuring student driven inquiry.
Supporting science standards
Data in the Classroom is committed to developing resources that support the needs of educators. Though the current versions of each module are not fully aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the lessons can be adapted to support three-dimensional learning. Learn more about how each module specifically relates to grade-level standards by visiting the teacher guide section of any of the online modules.
In each module
Each module is built with the same structure and sets of resources, including a scaled, five-level curriculum for teachers, online data visualizations and activities for students, and user-friendly tools for accessing and exploring NOAA data.
StoryMap
The StoryMaps contain a series of five web-based lessons (levels 1-5) that provide a stepped entry into a series of authentic data investigations that increase in complexity and student-directedness. Each StoryMap also contains a "Get Data" tab that provides direct access to all data tools within the module.
Teacher guide
A Teacher Guide (PDF) provides background information, detailed instructions on the use of the data tools and suggestions for guiding students through the exploration of real-world data.
Student worksheets
Student worksheets complement each of the five lessons in the module. They are provided as editable PDFs and PowerPoint files that can be downloaded, edited or posted to school learning platforms.
Contact us
Data in the Classroom is updated and maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Education. For all questions, concerns, and inquiries, please use the form below.