Statistics and Social Impact
Students in Upper School Statistics, a Social Impact-designated class, have been working with Claire Noble ’16, Dallas City Council Liaison for District 13, and City of Dallas Animal Services to look at ways to solve issues with loose animals around the city.
The class took 40,000 lines of data from the city, learned how to clean it, how to ask questions about the data, and pull out what they need.
“From there, the students decided how they wanted to look at the data, and what problem to solve,” said teacher Jeri Sutton. “They focused on breaking down the data by zip code, then recognized patterns in terms of repeat offenders, and the zip codes with the most loose animals.”
From there, the students had to figure out how to present their findings both visually and in a report. They created their own Google map and wrote recommendations to the city to assist with ways to find causes and determine a plan of action.
“This class really allows them to be a data scientist,” said Mrs. Sutton. “The girls had to learn the tools of statistics, and how to put together a report that explained their findings.”
Looking at data also helps build empathy, Mrs. Sutton explained. “I love that they are looking at what’s going on around them in their city – in this case, issues with loose animals - and solving a problem using data,” she said.“If you learn to look at data correctly, you can see a bigger issue taking shape, and realize there might be action to take.”
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.