Two Lancaster University research papers presented at the 19th WiPSCE Conference on Primary and Secondary Computing Education Research in Munich, Germany showcase the way new and innovative approaches to teaching data science are beginning to have an impact on education.

Both projects leverage the BBC micro:bit, a compact, cost-effective, pocket-sized computer designed to inspire creative thinking in children. With its built-in sensors, LED displays, and a range of connectivity options, it was designed to help students learn coding and give them an early understanding of how electronics and data science interact.

The first study, authored by Research Associate in Computer Science and current PhD student, Lorraine Underwood, introduces the Toolkit for Educators in Data Science (TEDS). TEDS offers a comprehensive solution for teaching the full data science pipeline - from data collection to analysis and visualisation.

Central to TEDS is the clip:bit, a micro:bit accessory that improves its capabilities with additional buttons and multicoloured LEDs, allowing students to gather data interactively. This is accompanied by a portable data storage hub powered by a Raspberry Pi called the Classroom Cloudlet. Students can upload their data to the Cloudlet, where simple web-based tools allow them to visualise and analyse it without the need for internet access or specialised software.

Field tests in UK schools have demonstrated the effectiveness of TEDS. Over 100 students aged 7–11 used the toolkit to engage in cross-curricular lessons combining data science with subjects such as geography and biology. Teachers were impressed with its simplicity and practicality, particularly how it solved some of the common challenges they face, such as organising administrative access and concerns about data privacy.

Lorraine Underwood said of her work on TEDS: “Working with schools was a fantastic experience - the teachers and students had so much enthusiasm for the project. It was interesting to see how easily students could program and use the clip:bit we developed to collect data about local birds. Using the technology also reminded the children that computers are useful for things other than entertainment!”

The second study with the BBC micro:bit was run by PhD student Kier Palin in collaboration with Lancaster Professors Steve Hodges and Joe Finney, and Tom Ball from Microsoft Research. The team developed a new application called MicroData, which makes it easy for students to interactively visualise and record live sensor data from up to 19 different sensors on the micro:bit and its compatible accessories. The application requires minimal setup and operates on portable, battery-powered Arcade shields for the micro:bit. Its real-time graphing and intuitive interface are designed to make data collection and analysis engaging for students, who can conduct experiments across various subjects, from monitoring plant growth in biology to measuring circuit voltage in physics.

Professor Finney said: “MicroData is the first in a series of new ‘MicroApps’ we are developing for the micro:bit that can help children and teachers to use the benefits of the devices in a cross-curricular way. We envisage a world where the micro:bit is used not only in computing lessons but in science, maths, music, geography and art. We are prototyping new devices like MicroData and testing them out in collaboration with regional schools as part of the Devices Lab activity at Lancaster University.”

Both projects highlight the increasing awareness of the need for a proactive, hands-on approach to teaching STEM subjects. Tools and software such as those being developed by Lancaster’s School of Computing and Communications help overcome some of the barriers of traditional data science teaching, such as the need for expensive equipment and technical expertise.

These projects have shown significant early promise towards addressing these issues, and the teams are looking to refine and expand their applications through collaborations with industry or educational partners over the next few years.