Slow It Down! Techniques To Help Students Make Sense Of Primary Source Data Visualizations
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: Data visualizations like maps and graphs are among the primary sources students should use to study history but can be overwhelming for learners. This poster describes techniques that support students in analyzing primary source data visualizations, blending research-informed methods to help learners interpret complex historical data visualizations with data science tools and techniques to create web-based, interactive resources. PROCEDURES: Techniques presented are grounded in research on how people make sense of graphics – reading the data, reading between the data, and reading beyond the data. We provide a brief background on this research, describe techniques for analyzing and interpreting historical data visualizations, and offer complete lesson plans for secondary social studies classrooms. OUTCOME: We developed a user-friendly, visually appealing platform for secondary social studies teachers, utilizing tools like R, Google Sheets, JavaScript, and HTML. It offers adaptable resources such as sample visualizations, guided lessons, and teaching strategies to make complex data more accessible. A professional development section offers self-paced modules to help teachers implement these techniques in their own classrooms. IMPACT: These materials help teachers guide students through data discovery, interpretation, and critical analysis, promoting stronger historical thinking and data literacy. Shreiner and Dykes (2025) highlight how one of these techniques, “offers a powerful method for teaching critical data literacy when taught with fidelity, allowing students time to notice, wonder, and discuss.” These techniques engage students of varying abilities and comfort levels, providing time to discuss social and political topics that they identify to be historically and instructionally significant.
Slow It Down! Techniques To Help Students Make Sense Of Primary Source Data Visualizations
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: Data visualizations like maps and graphs are among the primary sources students should use to study history but can be overwhelming for learners. This poster describes techniques that support students in analyzing primary source data visualizations, blending research-informed methods to help learners interpret complex historical data visualizations with data science tools and techniques to create web-based, interactive resources. PROCEDURES: Techniques presented are grounded in research on how people make sense of graphics – reading the data, reading between the data, and reading beyond the data. We provide a brief background on this research, describe techniques for analyzing and interpreting historical data visualizations, and offer complete lesson plans for secondary social studies classrooms. OUTCOME: We developed a user-friendly, visually appealing platform for secondary social studies teachers, utilizing tools like R, Google Sheets, JavaScript, and HTML. It offers adaptable resources such as sample visualizations, guided lessons, and teaching strategies to make complex data more accessible. A professional development section offers self-paced modules to help teachers implement these techniques in their own classrooms. IMPACT: These materials help teachers guide students through data discovery, interpretation, and critical analysis, promoting stronger historical thinking and data literacy. Shreiner and Dykes (2025) highlight how one of these techniques, “offers a powerful method for teaching critical data literacy when taught with fidelity, allowing students time to notice, wonder, and discuss.” These techniques engage students of varying abilities and comfort levels, providing time to discuss social and political topics that they identify to be historically and instructionally significant.