Strengthening the profile of the teaching profession is a key priority of the DataScEd4CiEn project. To successfully integrate Data Science within STEAM and civic engagement into classrooms, it is essential that teachers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Work Package 3 (WP3) is dedicated to designing and implementing a blended-learning professional development course that empowers primary and lower secondary school teachers (ages 9-15) to bring Data Science and Social Justice Education into STEAM subjects.
Building Teacher Capacity Through Professional Development
Using a design-based research approach, this course will provide teachers with practical strategies and theoretical insights to incorporate data science concepts into their teaching. It will be developed in two phases, beginning with national-level implementation, followed by transnational collaboration, fostering a global network of STEAM educators.
Key Objectives of WP3
✅ Develop a blended-learning professional development course tailored for primary and lower secondary teachers.
✅ Implement and evaluate the first version of the course at a national level.
✅ Establish a professional development network to connect teachers nationally and internationally.
✅ Refine and enhance the course based on feedback and implement an improved Version 2.
✅ Provide long-term support and resources for teachers to implement data-driven STEAM scenarios in their classrooms.
Deliverables & Impact
📌 A structured professional development course, designed to be accessible and adaptable for teachers across different educational settings.
📌 A professional learning network, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange at both national and international levels.
📌 A Teacher Toolkit, featuring:
- Tutorials and educational materials
- Ready-to-use datasets and tools
- Customizable STEAM learning scenarios focused on data science and civic engagement
By equipping teachers with innovative teaching strategies and practical classroom applications, WP3 ensures that students engage in meaningful, real-world data science learning, helping them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning skills.
This initiative not only advances the teaching profession but also ensures that students are prepared for an increasingly data-driven society, where they can use data science as a tool for positive change.
Update: DataScEd4CiEn Professional Development Course Completed!
We are excited to announce that the DataScEd4CiEn Professional Development Course is now fully developed and available! 🎉
This comprehensive training consists of five key modules, designed to equip educators with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to integrate data science into STEAM education for civic engagement and social justice.
Module 1: DataScEd4CiEn Scientific Framework
Module 1 provides opportunities to learn about the DataScEd4CiEn project and the theoretical concepts that have informed its design. Using a case-based approach, the module provides insights into the components of the DataScEd4CiEn conceptual framework that supports teachers and students need when working with data derived from problem-driven STEAM contexts. By providing insights into the core components of the DataScEd4CiEn conceptual framework, the module will support learner’s in engaging in problem-driven inquiry through the exploration of multivariate data on a range of topics related to citizenship education. Such inquiry can equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills required to cope with the demands of modern society and become “tomorrow’s progressive leaders, productive workers, and responsible citizens” (Ge et al., 2015, p. 384)..
Module 2: The STEAM Approach in Data Science Education
Module 2 aims to introduce participants to data-centered STEAM pedagogy for civic engagement. The module presents the main pedagogical models and frameworks used in STEAM education. It also discusses the importance of integrating data science into K-12 STEAM education to enhance students’ data science literacy and equip them with vital skills for future careers and effective citizenship.
Module 3: A Toolkit for Implementing the DataScEd4CiEn Approach
Focusing on practical application, this module provides educators with tools and resources to implement data science education. It covers finding and analyzing data sets, designing statistical questions, and using digital tools like CODAP to create engaging, data-driven learning activities.
Module 4: Data Science and AI – Ethical Use & Active Citizenship
Module 4 is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge, critical perspectives, and practical strategies for introducing data science concepts within the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), with a strong emphasis on civic engagement and ethical responsibility. In response to the growing influence of data and AI across different sectors of society—affecting decisions in healthcare, media, education, public policy, and beyond—the module underscores the importance of data science literacy as foundational to informed and engaged citizenship. Participants will explore key ML processes, including data collection/generation, data preparation, AI model training, and result assessment, while also addressing critical issues such as bias identification in data and AI models, and the broader ethical implications of ML on society. They will also be introduced to instructional tools and strategies for integrating these topics into STEAM education, with a focus on enhancing students’ data science literacy and promoting civic engagement and social justice.
Module 5: Designing an Educational Scenario
This module presents the study guide corresponding to the application of the DataScEd4CiEn approach in the Classroom for students ages 9 to 15 and aims to align it the National Curriculum fostering teaching innovation and teacher professional development in the field of STEAM Data Science Education.
These modules provide educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to integrate data science into STEAM education, preparing students for data-driven decision-making and civic engagement.
Progress Update: Professional Development Course Implementation Across Europe
As part of Work Package 3 (WP3), the DataScEd4CiEn project has successfully launched the first implementation of its blended-learning Professional Development Course in Cyprus, Spain, and Greece. This milestone marks a significant step in equipping primary and lower secondary school teachers (ages 9-15) with the necessary skills to integrate Data Science, STEAM, and civic engagement into their classrooms.
The next phase of implementation is set to take place in Ireland and Germany in Spring 2025, further expanding the reach of this innovative training program and strengthening international collaboration among educators.
Key Achievements So Far
✅ Successful Launch of the First Implementation
- Teachers in Cyprus, Spain, and Greece have participated in the initial rollout, engaging in interactive sessions, hands-on data analysis, and scenario-based learning.
✅ Comprehensive Course Development
- The course includes:
📌 A structured syllabus and learning activities tailored for STEAM educators.
📌 Carefully selected data sets for practical, real-world learning experiences.
📌 Digital tools and resources to support data-driven teaching strategies.
📌 A teacher toolkit with adaptable materials for classroom integration.
✅ Insights from Initial Implementation
- The first round of training has provided valuable feedback from participating teachers, highlighting strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement before the second rollout.
Next Steps
🔹 Spring 2025: Implementation in Ireland and Germany – Expanding the course to new educational contexts and broadening the international network of data science educators.
🔹 Course Refinement & Enhancement – Based on teacher feedback, adjustments will be made to optimize content, digital tools, and educational scenarios for Version 2 of the course.
🔹 Building a Transnational Teacher Network – Strengthening collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators across Europe.
With these milestones, WP3 is on track to making a lasting impact on STEAM education, empowering teachers to bring data science into their classrooms and preparing students for a data-driven future.