Introduction to Data Science
Designed for high school students.
Learn more about IDS at a 30-minute IDS Showcase.
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Our data. Our lives.
Introduction to Data Science (IDS) was designed to equip students with essential skills in data reasoning and critical thinking across diverse data formats. Aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for High School Statistics and Probability, IDS also addresses the data acumen crucial for responsible citizenship in the 21st century.
IDS is a rigorous course for students who aspire to:
• Cultivate their quantitative aptitude.
• Prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics.
• Access burgeoning fields such as Computational Data Analysis.
• Engage deeply with math, statistics, and computational thinking through inquiry-based instruction focused on real-world challenges.
IDS equips students with the indispensable tools, techniques, and principles needed to navigate and make sense of our data-rich world.
IDS Combines Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science into One Engaging Course
Students become researchers in IDS, using unique elements to gather, process, and interpret data about their lives and our world.
Participatory Sensing
Students use their mobile devices and web services to systematically explore aspects of their worlds, collecting data for analysis and interpretation.
Data Analysis
Using statistical modeling, equations, distributions, probability, and more, students analyze their own data while gaining a deeper mathematical understanding.
RStudio Programming
Students use industry-standard software to conduct meaningful data analysis and program using RStudio along the way.
This methodology empowers students to extract meaningful insights through a comprehensive process of data examination.
Supporting IDS Teachers
Our Professional Development model ensures that your future IDS teachers are well-prepared to offer this new course, from the first day of school through the last.
For new partners, teachers engage in:
• 5 days of PD before the school year begins
• 4 days of PD throughout the school year
• 4 advanced PD days throughout their second year teaching IDS
Plus, our curriculum is fully comprehensive of lessons, activities, and more.
Don’t take our word for it
"After a semester of taking IDS I have learned how to code and answer statistical questions that apply to real life. IDS has actually made math easy for me to do. It has taught me how to code and use graphs. IDS gives me a better visual on math. Through charts and graphs it is easier to break down the mathematics of the class."
– Student
"I like the list of Instructional Strategies and discovering how they use them in the curriculum. It inspires me use them in my non-IDS classes! IDS has made me excited about teaching again. It is great to work with a class that is applicable and meaningful."
– Teacher
"IDS has made me more aware of how data is collected in various ways. This class has been really eye opening [on] to collect data. I see IDS fitting into my future…I am able to put IDS on my college application, and if I would ever want to go into computers as a career I would already know how to code."
– Student
"I had a bad experience managing groups in the past. IDS has helped me manage groups better and be more confident overall."
– Teacher
"[IDS is] helping me understand math by graphing my own data. I see this fitting for my future because it uses data and analyzing data in our daily life."
– Student
"This class can benefit me in college, internship and work. I think I might use this code professionally in the future if RStudio advances. Coding is easier, it makes math easier than before."
– Student
"IDS has allowed me to view statistics in the world of business, and has showed me how math is applied in the real world today. One thing I know now that I did not know before is that to code we have to be very precise."
– Student
"IDS has taught me how to analyze different graphs and frequency tables. Also, I learned about the data cycle and how it's used in our lives. I think this class will help [me] with future jobs or get into a better college."
– Student
"[IDS] has stimulated me as a teacher – especially the coding part. It has made me and my students pay attention [to the] real and true essence and value of data and the data process."
– Teacher
"IDS has taught me how to code and learn a new style of math. I now know how to code and ask statistical questions. IDS is helping me understand math in a new way by being able to code and use a computer. IDS doesn't only help with math, but on how to use a computer."
– Student
"IDS connects real social and current issues with math curriculum. It's brought more relevance to the math classroom. The IDS curriculum emphasizes that there is more than one way to answer a question – aligning it to the Common Core standards. It's an amazing class."
– Teacher
