Global map showing sea surface temperature anomalies. Areas with above-average temperatures are shaded in red and dark red, while cooler-than-average regions are in blue. Major oceans and geographic regions are labeled, highlighting significant warm anomalies in the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Indian Ocean.

Data Lens - Exploring Earth's Visual Stories

Data Lens - Exploring Earth's Visual Stories

Data Lens activities equip teachers with tools to help their students engage with and understand complex scientific data. Informed by Visual Thinking Strategies, each exercise includes a timely global map that can stand alone or open a discussion into a relevant classroom unit of study. When used regularly, these activities may help to increase data literacy skills in your classroom.

Sign up to receive Data Lens directly to your email inbox every few weeks! The activity remains fairly consistent week to week, making implementation easy!

View a recorded webinar demonstrating Data Lens and other visual and data literacy techniques.

Get Started for more on how and why to use Data Lens in your classroom.

If you have any questions, email sos.contact@noaa.gov.

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A presenter stands in front of a large illuminated spherical display showing Earth, addressing a seated audience in a dark blue-walled room. The setting resembles an interactive science exhibit or educational presentation, likely featuring real-time Earth data or visualizations.
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Map of the Arctic region showing sea ice concentration on September 11, 2020, during the summer minimum. Ice coverage is shaded in white and light blue, indicating varying concentrations. A yellow outline marks the median extent of sea ice from 1981–2010 for comparison. The map highlights a significant reduction in sea ice area.

Resources

Program Team

Publications

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Semmens, K., Sickler, J., Maxfield, K., Goldner, M., Curry, D., Peddicord, H., … Carr, R. H. (2024). Building Insights Through Observation: Integrating Art and Science to Support SensemakingScience Scope48(2), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/08872376.2025.2463906

 

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Phone: 303-492-5670
Fax: 303-735-3644

CEEE Mail

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