DataVersify: A Framework for Data Literacy Instruction Featuring Scientist Stories

Developing data literacy is a core goal of biology education, yet many students struggle to engage with scientific research and data. DataVersify is a resource designed to support data literacy while simultaneously humanizing science. These activities integrate two established programs, Data Nuggets and Project Biodiversify, to engage students in the work of scientists and introduce them to the people behind the research. Within each activity, students encounter a scientist profile, read about a study, explore and visualize a dataset, construct evidence-based explanations, and ask questions of their own. Here, we synthesize over a decade of resource development and large-scale, coordinated research efforts to share the effective features of DataVersify activities. We found that pairing data literacy activities with humanizing details about a scientist's life in and out of science increases students' ability to relate to scientists and engage with course materials. We present six evidence-based recommendations for using DataVersify, including emphasize authenticity, pair data with scientist stories, and highlight a variety of contemporary scientist role models. Together, our work demonstrates how integrating authentic data experiences with scientist stories can support student outcomes in data literacy and biology education.