Data Science Workshop!

​On March 21st, we hosted our Data Science Workshop at the College-Rolando Library. Our participants learned about categorical and numerical data, types of data charts, and randomness. After highlighting a renowned woman in the field of data science, Fei Fei Li, our participants partook in various activities.

As a way to introduce the topic of data science, participants were to answer a brief question as they entered the room: “What is your favorite ice cream flavor?” They had the choices of vanilla, cookies and cream, chocolate, and mint chip. Their answers were later recorded to make a bar graph and revealed at the very end of the workshop!

During our first activity, participants created their own data charts on a poster, and later presented them. This activity allowed them to apply data science to real-world scenarios. They were instructed to come up with a research question as a group and survey other girls in the room. Then, they were to utilize the answers from around the room to make an appropriate chart. For instance, one group asked, “What is your favorite season?”, and made a bar graph with the answers they received. Participants applied their knowledge of categorical and numerical data, types of charts, and applicable real-world situations for this activity, with one participant saying, “It’s fun, I’ve learned about new charts!”

Our second activity was based on the topic of randomness. After learning about independence and dependence, each table group was given a die and were asked to record the numbers they received after rolling it multiple times to determine if it was fair; however, some groups unknowingly received a weighted dice that resulted in one number constantly being rolled! Considering this, a couple groups were skeptical about their dice and eventually deemed theirs unfair. This activity spurred much discussion about fairness and how patterns can appear in things that are usually viewed as fair. 

Finally, but certainly not least, our last activity was our Mystery Jelly Bean Bag Activity. For this activity, participants expanded their knowledge about randomness into the idea of samples and populations. This taught them how to use a small, randomly selected sample to make predictions about a larger population. They were instructed to close their eyes, pick 10 jellybeans, count each color picked, and determine the total number of each color inside the bag. Through this process, participants saw firsthand how randomness can both support fair sampling and lead to natural variation in results! 

Overall, our participants had a lot of fun exploring data science, with one participant excitingly saying, “I learned new charts, and a new type of science!” Our next workshop is on Machine Learning on April 4th, hosted at Mira Mesa Library. Hope to see you all there!