“Bee” a Data Scientist

Engaging elementary students in data science literacy practices and data science skills is essential in today’s data-driven world. This article presents a data investigation process aligned with science and engineering practices, designed to enhance students' data literacy skills while deepening their understanding of scientific concepts. The process includes five key phases: (1) defining the problem, (2) finding or collecting data, (3) cleaning and visualizing data, (4) interpreting and questioning data, and (5) communicating findings and taking action. By providing students with opportunities to engage in authentic science inquiries using data, teachers can foster critical thinking and support the development of strong data literacy skills.