INTRODUCTION TO SSDAN

BACKGROUNDBringing social science and census data to you.

• Started in 1995• University-based organization that

creates demographic media and makes U.S. census data accessible to policymakers, educators, the media, and informed citizens.

Web sites User guides Hands-on classroom computer

materials

SSDAN: Background

RESOURCESSSDAN productions and publications.

INSTRUCTIONAL WEBINARS

Provide hands-on training with SSDAN materials as well as opportunities to interact with faculty online.

TEACHING WITH DATA

In partnership with the Inter-Consortium for Political and Social Research, SSDAN will launch this new digital library aimed at providing faculty with all the tools they need to introduce data in the classroom.

CENSUSSCOPE

CensusScope is an easy-to-use tool for investigating demographic trends. With eye-catching graphics and detailed trend data, CensusScope is designed for both generalists and specialists.

CENSUSSCOPE

CensusScope was designed, developed and programmed by associates of SSDAN. Since the site’s launch in 2001, it has received numerous awards and excellent reviews. CensusScope was selected as a Yahoo! Picks “Site of the Day,” named a USA Today “Hot Site,” and featured on National Public Radio.

CENSUSSCOPE

CensusScope’s charts, maps, and rankings depict some of the most important trends affecting the country. It provides access to data at the broad national level as well as at smaller geographic locations such as states, counties and metropolitan areas.

DATACOUNTS!

DataCounts! is an interactive website designed to help integrate social statistics into the classroom setting. It houses an archive of datasets and teaching modules created for SSDAN’s Census in the Classroom project, which provides educators with resources to incorporate data analysis exercises into their curricula.

DATACOUNTS!

When conceptual population trends are illustrated with specific statistics, students gain a better understanding of the world in which they live. WebCHIP, an integral part of DataCounts!, empowers students by giving them the means to analyze data relating to changes in today’s society.

The vast amount of data that can be accessed using WebCHIP inculdes dicennial and trend data from the U.S. Census Bureau, figures from the General Social Survey, and statistics from the Current Population Survey.

DATACOUNTS!

Site features: • Make your own course materials using our

unique datasets and WebCHIP software!• Easily adapt an existing module to your class,

or add your own module to the website with ease using Carleton College’s Science Education Resource Center Activity Sheets.

• Share ideas with professors and instructors across the country.

• Explore and research the latest demographic data!

SOCIAL ATLAS OF THE UNITED STATES

This brief and accessible atlas uses colourful maps, graphs, and some of the best social science data available to survey the leading social, economic and political indicators of American society.

INVESTIGATING CHANGE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY

An inexpensive software and workbook package that helps teachers bring census data into the classroom. Topics range from race and immigration to household composition, education and poverty.

AMERICA BY THE NUMBERS: A FIELD GUIDE TO THE U.S. POPULATION

From immigration to our aging population, this book reveals how demography shapes both public and private decisions.

QUANTITATIVE LITERACYWhat is it, and why is it important?

QUANTITATIVE LITERACY

Includes the ability to:• Calculate: perform mathematical

operations• Interpret: explain information presented

in a mathematical form (e.g., tables, equations, graphs, or diagrams)

• Represent: convert relevant information from one mathematical form to another (e.g., tables, equations, graphs or diagrams)

• Analyze: Make judgments based on quantitative analysis

• Select Methods: Choose the mathematical operations required to answer a research question

• Perform Estimation/Reasonableness Checks: Recognize the limits of a method and to form reasonable predictions of unknown quantities

QUANTITATIVE LITERACY

• Communication: Ability to use quantitative information to support a conclusion

• Identify/Generate Data: Ability to identify or generate appropriate information to answer a question

• Research design: Understand the links between theory and data

QUANTITATIVE LITERACY

WORKSHOP OVERVIEWWhat is in store?

WORKSHOP OVERVIEWDay 1 Thursday, August 12, 2010

9:30-10:30AM Breakfast

Morning Session

10:30-11:15AM

Introduction to SSDAN, QL and Workshop Overview

11:15-12:00PM

Introduction of Participants

Afternoon Session

12:00-1:30PM Working Lunch: Introduction to ACS and Accessing the Data

1:30-2:45PM DataCounts!, Modules, data sets and WebCHIP

2:45-3:15PM What makes a great module?-Identifying learning objectives-Assessment

3:15-3:30PM Coffee Break

3:30-4:30PM Datasets at SSDAN

4:30-5:00PM Group Breakouts & Module Discussion

WORKSHOP OVERVIEWDay 2 Friday, August 13, 2010

8:30-9:15AM Breakfast

Morning Session

9:15-10:00AM Using CensusScope & TeachingWithData.org

10:00-10:45AM Individual Module Development Time

10:45-11:00AM Coffee Break

11:00-12:00PM Individual Module Development and Discussion

12:00-12:30PM Individual Progress Report to Groups

12:30-1:00PM Other products for accessing ACS data-IPUMS (SDA & Data Extracts)-American FactFinder

1:00-2:30PM Lunch Panel: Classroom Experiences with QL, Data-Driven Learning Modules, and SSDAN

2:30-3:15PM Assessment: Attempting to measure success-How can we assess?-What tools are available?

3:15-3:30PM Coffee Break

3:30-4:15PM Individual Module Development Time

4:15-5:00PM Closing-Staying in touch-Receiving stipend-Future projects at SSDAN-Survey