8 Ways to Integrate Data Science into Algebra

Without Overhauling Your Curriculum

By  MacKenzie Blaase

Data science can feel like a buzzword reserved for tech companies and college classrooms—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, integrating data science into your Algebra classroom can be simple, practical, and powerful for student engagement.

If you’re looking to boost relevance in your Algebra lessons without rewriting your entire scope and sequence, these 8 strategies will help you get started.

1. Start with Student-Generated Data

Have students collect and analyze data about their own lives. This could be daily screen time, hours of sleep, or how long it takes to walk from one class to another.

Use the data to create scatterplots, calculate measures of center, and write linear equations. Suddenly, slope and intercept have meaning.

2. Connect Linear Models to Real-World Predictions

Rather than working with generic equations, tie modeling tasks to real-world questions:

• How much will gas cost in 5 years?

• If streaming prices increase at the current rate, what will Netflix cost by graduation?

  
  

These tasks make linear equations about more than just points on a graph.

3. Use Free Public Data Sets

Incorporate open data from sites like data.gov, NOAA, or Our World in Data. Let students explore topics like climate change, population growth, or internet usage over time.

Students can create tables, graphs, and models—using real, messy data that invites critical thinking.

4. Let Students Debate Data Ethics

Data science isn’t just about numbers—it’s about interpretation and impact. Bring in short articles or case studies about:

• Bias in algorithms

• Data privacy

• Predictive policing

  
  

These discussions deepen understanding of data's role in society and sharpen students' reasoning and communication skills.

5. Infuse Technology Tools

Use tools like Desmos, CODAP, or Google Sheets to help students manipulate, visualize, and analyze data quickly.

This lowers the barrier to entry and allows you to explore multiple data representations without spending a full class on hand-graphing.

6. Use Sports and Fantasy Stats

Tap into student interests using sports analytics. Whether it's basketball shooting percentages or fantasy football projections, these datasets are rich with opportunities to explore ratios, trends, and linear modeling.

Bonus: It's a fun hook for reluctant math learners.

7. Highlight Careers that Use Algebra + Data

Sprinkle in short career spotlights—data journalists, actuaries, urban planners, epidemiologists. Connect algebra skills to future opportunities students didn’t know existed.

Even a 5-minute video or infographic can shift how students see the purpose of math.

8. Reframe Algebra as a Tool for Storytelling

Data isn’t just numbers—it’s narrative. Give students projects where they tell a story with data, such as:

• How has the cost of college changed over time?

• What does the data say about fast food in America?

  
  

This empowers students to see algebra as a way to answer questions that matter to them. Use Google Trends to help with storytelling!

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to abandon your Algebra curriculum to start teaching data science. By embedding meaningful data tasks, you can deepen student understanding of core concepts while building the skills they’ll need for future success.

Ready to explore more?

Check out YouCubed's Data Science resources or the Data4Kids curriculum for more inspiration.

Looking for Support? Contact Us