Open Data Sprint

A 2–3 week project where student teams analyze municipal datasets, build dashboards, and pitch actionable insights.

Request Sprint Kit Back to Grades 9–12

Project Overview

Ideal for AP CS Principles, engineering academies, or civic-tech clubs looking for a structured project with authentic data.

2–3

Weeks

Python

Primary Stack

Team

3–4 Students

Lesson Snapshot

Learning Objectives

Ingest and clean public datasets using pandas.
Frame a civic research question tied to stakeholder needs.
Design dashboards or presentations that highlight insights and recommended actions.

Standards Alignment

AP CS Principles: Create Performance Task practice.
NGSS HS-ESS3-1: Analyze data on resource use and sustainability.
CTE IT Pathway: Data analytics + professional communication.

Suggested Timeline

Week 1

Discovery + Data Prep

Kickoff brief, stakeholder mapping, and dataset exploration.

Milestone: research question + project charter
Activities: dataset scavenger hunt, bias check

Week 2

Build + Iterate

Notebook development, visual prototypes, mentor reviews.

Milestone: functional dashboard or report draft
Activities: code review, usability feedback

Week 3

Present + Reflect

Final polishing, presentation recording, and retrospectives.

Milestone: published repo + slide deck
Activities: rubric scoring, stakeholder Q&A

Materials & Supports

Datasets

Open Data Starter Pack

Curated municipal datasets (transportation, housing, climate) with documentation.

CSV + API options

Templates

Project Charter

Defines team roles, research question, success metrics, and deliverables.

Google Doc + Notion versions

Mentorship

Office Hours

Optional mentor pairing for code reviews or civic context interviews.

Request 2 weeks ahead

Assessment & Deliverables

Required Artifacts

Git repository with cleaned dataset, notebook, and README.
Slide deck or dashboard link summarizing insights.
Reflection memo describing limitations and future work.

Rubrics & Feedback

Industry-style rubric focusing on storytelling, rigor, and collaboration.
Peer review form for cross-team critiques.
Mentor feedback sheet for external guests.

Download Requests

Email the CS² team to receive the latest sprint kit and optional mentor briefing materials.

Bundle

Sprint Kit

Facilitator agenda, checkpoints, and communication templates.

Request Kit

Code

Starter Repo

Notebook scaffolding, sample visualizations, and grading rubric.

Get Repo

Mentor

Briefing Packet

Talking points, timeline, and feedback forms for guest reviewers.

Request Packet