LTER Data Jams are events for K-12 school students where they work with authentic LTER data, scientists and educators to learn how to understand and analyze data and present their results in unique ways for a general audience. The models differ across sites and students in previous LTER Data Jams have presented their data by building dioramas, writing song lyrics, creating visual arts projects, and through more traditional scientific poster presentations. LTER Data Jams are an exciting and unique space for LTER scientists to work with local students and make scientific research and data accessible to a broader audience.
Luquillo LTER/CZO Schoolyard Data Jam
High School students use ecological data collected at the El Yunque National Forest by the Luquillo LTER, the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory, and USGS Water to create a project that asks a research question and presents data to shed light on it. Projects are evaluated on the basis of a clear question, the use of evidence in response to the question, and the quality of reasoning behind the conclusions. Students present their projects at the Luquillo LTER Schoolyard Symposium hosted by the University of Puerto Rico.
The Desert Data Jam
The Desert Data Jam is a unique competition that challenges students to make creative projects (such as songs, physical models, children’s stories, infographics, and games) that convey complex ecological data to nonscientists. Twenty twenty-six marks the 13th Desert Data Jam. The top projects from each participating class are entered into a final competition held at New Mexico State University. Community judges, including many LTER scientists, mentor the students and evaluate the projects.
North East Shelf Data Jam
Making data sing so everyone can tell their stories: The North East Shelf embraces new, creative ways to share the science of the region. Data Jammers immerse themselves in authentic, locally relevant data sets that have been collected in and around the region by professional scientists. Whether they create a graphic, song, video, sculpture, computer game, puppet show, or children’s book, their imagination is the limit!
Read more to learn how to participate in the Northeast US Ecosystems Data Jam competition, view previous award winning videos, learn about teacher and student resources and much more.
