Engaging students and teachers through statistics towards greater connection and social responsibility

Arresting statistical anxiety and connecting students with statistics is critical in the big data age and for future generations to be socially responsible citizens. This paper outlines a national project-based learning activity, which facilitates interdisciplinary projects, engages students from varied backgrounds with varying areas of interest, and develops key communication, research and statistical skills aligned with national school curriculum outcomes. Allowing students to take the lead, determine the context and self-diagnose are powerful motivators. A mentoring model connecting industry, primary, secondary and tertiary educators has been invaluable to the project’s success. Australian school teachers are saying “21st Century learning at its best”, “motivates and engages students”. Mentors are saying “I was inspired by their keenness”, “provides students a unique opportunity”. Students are saying “engaging, educational and enjoyable”. Over 1000 students engaged with the competition in 2016.