Data Visualisation for Secondary Science: Using R and RStudio
This four-part online professional learning course introduces secondary science teachers to R and RStudio, freely available tools for analysing and visualising scientific data. Through guided activities using real datasets, participants will develop practical skills in data visualisation, preparation and analysis, with opportunities to apply these techniques to their own teaching and student investigations.
Wednesday 20 January 2027 (5–6 pm)
Data Visualisation Basics in R
An introduction to RStudio and data visualisation using the Palmer Penguins dataset. Participants will explore how to create, customise and interpret graphs using R.
Wednesday 27 January 2027 (5–6 pm)
Data Tidying Basics in R
Using the New York City Flights dataset, participants will explore techniques for cleaning, preparing and organising data, including filtering, selecting, joining and summarising datasets.
Wednesday 3 February 2027 (5–6 pm)
Data Sources for Student Projects
An introduction to freely available scientific datasets and how to import them into R. Participants will begin a short independent project, producing a 250-word report supported by two or three data visualisations.
Wednesday 10 March 2027 (5–6 pm)
Project Review and Next Steps
An opportunity to review projects, consolidate learning and explore further datasets and resources for incorporating R into secondary science teaching.
No previous experience of R or programming is required. Participants will have time between the third and fourth sessions to complete their independent projects.
Closing date for applications: 1st January 2027