The U.S. Census Bureau has unveiled a newly updated Statistics in Schools webpage for K-12 teachers and students. Using current and historical data, the Census Bureau provides teachers the tools to help students understand statistical concepts and improve their data analysis skills. The program offers free online activities and other resources in geography, history, math and sociology. The Website is the newest format of a program to use Census data in schools and the new evergreen program provides teachers with searchable activities by grade, school subject and topic, each aimed at helping to increase statistical literacy. Census Bureau Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Nancy Potok has said “Understanding the value behind the numbers that measure our changing society will help the future leaders of tomorrow learn how to make data-driven decisions that shape communities for generations to come.”
Regular assets of the site include videos, infographics and data visualizations, teacher materials, and searchable data access tools. The website now includes special pages on "Progressives and the 1920 Census," "An Analysis of the Millennial Generation," "Two-way tables—Walking and bicycling to work," and "Changes in my State," which even involves elementary students. Dropdown menus link to Census reports that can be used in teaching, photos and images, and current news releases with fun facts.
For information about the site and its benefits, see the "about" menu. The U.S. Census Bureau is the leading source of statistical information about the nation’s people, places, and economy, providing not only snapshots of the nation’s population size and growth, but also detailed portraits of the changing characteristics of our communities. For information, contact them by phone (301-763-4030) or email: statsinschools@census.gov, or contact the Reference Desk at the South Carolina State Library (803-734-8026).
