With this learning framework, we are taking advantage of the current explosion of interest in data science to:
- broaden the definition of data for the youngest generation;
- prepare children for the wide-ranging role data plays in their lives; and
- provide children with the foundational skills needed for school success, future careers, and being an active citizen in today’s world
Audience
Our learning framework is meant primarily for use by developers of informal and formal curriculum materials and media researchers, designers, and producers. While it is not written as a curriculum, early childhood classroom teachers should find it a useful resource, especially the vignettes that illustrate classroom activities.
Age Range
We are focusing on children ages 4–7. In order to provide some guidance for working with children at different stages of development, we have provided vignettes of classroom activities in two age spans: pre-K (roughly ages 4 – 5) and K-1 (roughly ages 6 – 7).
Structure of Learning Framework and Vignettes of Example Activities
Our Learning Framework includes two inter-connected parts. The first part is a description of eight Learning Goals, each with several sub-goals, and a set of Social-Emotional Mindsets that young children need to successfully engage in data investigations.
The second part is a compilation of vignettes with examples of data science activities for two grade bands (pre-K and K-1). Each Learning Goal references two or more vignettes in order to show what that Learning Goal looks like in context for the two age ranges (preK and K-1).