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Why Teach with Data?

Humans' abilities to collect data about our planet has expanded exponentially in recent years. Our ability to interpret Earth system data, including the impact of humans on the system, is essential to developing an understanding of our planet's future.

Data-rich learning experiences can prepare students to address real-world problems. Using data provides students with opportunities to design and conduct scientific investigations and draw conclusions. Working with data also prepares students to evaluate the validity of evidence presented in any arena.

Despite all the benefits of teaching with data, using data is difficult. Though incredible amounts of data are freely available, it is often quite challenging to find the exact information deisred in a format that can be opened and analyzed using a manageable software tool. For more information about teaching with data, download the Using Data in Undergraduate Science Classrooms Report.

To address the challenges of teaching with data, the Earth Exploration Toolbook offers concrete guidance for working with data to learn concepts in Earth system science. The EET uses a cookbook approach to provide teachers and students with direct practice finding, accessing, and analyzing data.

Did you say Cookbook?! Isn't that a dirty word in science education?

While cookbook-type "experiments" with known outcomes have received some deservedly bad press in science courses, a cookbook is actually a great analogy for how the Earth Exploration Toolbook guides teachers and students through the process of cooking up different data products. Chapters in the toolbook are analogous to the recipes in a cookbook. Each chapter lists the "ingredients" and provides step-by-step instructions on how to create and interpret some data product. Unlike a recipe for food though, the main value for working through a chapter of the EET is not in the product itself, but in the learning of data analysis strategies.