Opportunity to Pilot a Biology Lesson (stipend offered)

The Life Sciences Learning Center has developed a series of Big Data and Health Science lessons. These lessons are designed to help students understand what “big data” is, and how “big data” might be used in health research studies.

We are seeking grade 9-12 teachers who are willing to pilot test one or more of the Big Data and Health Science lessons with their students. Below are brief summaries of the lessons:

A Case of Osteoporosis

Use models, information cards, and a poster to explore associations among osteoporosis, bone density, and bone fracture risk. 1 class period

A Small Research Study

Does taking calcium supplements increase bone density and reduce the risk for osteoporosis? Analyze data from a small research study that collected bone density test data (T-Scores) from women who took or did not take calcium supplements. Calculate means and create box and whiskers plots to summarize the data. 3 class periods

Large Research Studies

Does data from large research studies support the claim that taking calcium supplements increases bone density? Analyze data from a large-scale health study involving data from hundreds of women. Then, select well-designed small research studies to include a meta-analysis study. Interpret the results of a meta-analysis study. 2 class periods

Big Data: A Different Kind of Science

How is big data science different from traditional scientific research? Use information from five stories to answer questions about big data in health science. 1 class period

Collecting Big Data

What are some possible sources of information for big data sets? Brainstorm the kinds of information available from sources such as health records, computer files, apps on digital devices, online purchases, credit card bills, and wearable health and wellness devices. 1 class period

Mining Big Data: Osteoporosis

How do factors such as UV light, exercise, caffeinated beverages, or sleep affect teens’ risks for developing osteoporosis later in life? “Mine” variables in a big data set that could be used to test hypotheses. Propose additional variables that might be potentially useful. 1 class period

Big Data and Human Health

What are some examples of ways that big data could be used to improve medical care related to prevention, treatment, and cures for human health problems? “Surf the web” to finding interesting ways that big data is being used to solve human health problems or to improve healthcare. 1 class period


Pilot test teachers will be asked to:

· Make copies of the student handouts for the lesson

· Use the lesson

· Complete an evaluation survey

· Provide detailed, written feedback with suggestions for improving the lesson

· Send us several samples of student work


A stipend of $75 per lesson will be provided for teachers who return the evaluation survey and written feedback by June 30, 2017.

Here is a link to the pilot testing application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/big_data_pilot

Please complete the online application by March 4 to indicate which lesson(s) you would be willing to pilot test. Pilot test teachers will be selected by March 7.