DataWISE is a tool that scaffolds key science practices and media literacy skills to guide students in critical analysis of data-based claims.
WISE represents the four key aspects that should be considered when we encounter a claim that requires scientific information to support it:
W - Is this worthy of attention?
I - Inspect the data
S - Does this make sense?
E - What emotion is activated?
Download the DataWISE template [PDF]
Below are links to DataWISE activities to engage students in evaluating data-based claims using the DataWISE tool. Each is designed to be completed in one hour of class time.
Introduction
In Part I students identify key criteria for evaluating claims that require scientific evidence and are introduced to the DataWISE tool. In Part II, students practice using the tool with real examples from the media.
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Peer Review
Students analyze a research article about cat injuries and write feedback to the authors.
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Conflict of Interest
Students analyze research sponsored by a nonprofit organization that is funded by tobacco companies and respond to their claims about the safety of smokeless tobacco products.
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Evaluating Use of Fossil Fuels
Students analyze a fact sheet produced by an organization that promotes the oil production industry and compare its claims about fossil fuels to scientists’ claims.
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Comparing Climate Claims
Students analyze a section of a publication from an organization known for denying the scientific consensus on climate change and compare its claims to scientists’ claims about climate change.
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Science in the News
Students analyze two news articles reporting on a study about possible associations between gratitude and mortality. Students will then compare the articles’ interpretations of the study to the actual study in the academic journal in which it was published.
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Comparing Climate Claims
Students analyze a section of a publication from an organization known for denying the scientific consensus on climate change and compare its claims to scientists’ claims about climate change.
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Scientific Consensus
Students learn about the weight of evidence supporting the scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism, and then critique a blog post disguised as a scientific article that claims to show a link between vaccines and autism.
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For a more thorough explanation of the tool, see DataWISE Explained [PDF].
