KidDataViz

Abstract

Data helps us to understand the world around us. Not only is interpreting data important, but understanding how to communicate data is an essential skill in the modern world. Teaching children how to make and understand data visualizations lays a solid foundation for their critical thinking and understanding of large-scale problems. This project aims to teach elementary school students how to visualize data engagingly and effectively. Building on this goal, our project was to develop an accessible website with the ability to host seven or more different game implementations designed around data visualization concepts. These games target three groups of school levels: 1st- and 2nd-grade, 3rd- and 4th-grade, and 5th-grade and up. The goal of the games is to break down complex data visualization concepts for various levels of understanding. Consequently, each game is designed to be fun and replayable, so children engage with the website for longer periods and learn more. The website has been fully implemented and is accessible to the public. This implementation allows new developers to add games easily, assuming they are familiar with web development. Additionally, we have implemented seven games in either JavaScript or Unity, each of which is playable from the website. We have conducted testing for the application, via a digital feedback form provided to testers. The feedback given on these forms is used to improve the website and the games that are hosted on it. The website features a mobile dropdown menu, an introductory page, a page for feedback, and seven games that teach core concepts of data visualization. The website can be used in classroom settings as an easy way for teachers to introduce data visualization to students.