How the program works:

1. Apply to become a Data Detective Leader

We’re looking for individuals who:

• Are passionate about data visualization, storytelling, and education

• Are familiar with SWD lessons: have attended an SWD workshop or course (independently or through their company); read SWD books; follow the SWD blog, podcast, or YouTube channel; or are an active member in the SWD community

• Want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for data storytelling with young learners

• Have access to an audience of K-4 students—whether through schools, libraries, community groups, or other organizations

• Are willing to support the program—either personally or through their company, by helping offset costs such as book purchases or shipping when possible

Applications will be reviewed based on applicant enthusiasm, connection to storytelling with data, reach, and ability to effectively engage with students. Priority will be given to those who can contribute to covering some of the costs associated with the program, such as book shipping or purchasing (discounted) books, helping us expand access to even more young learners.

2. Prepare for your Data Detective Mission 🔍

Once selected, Lead Data Detectives will receive access to a resource hub with everything needed to run a successful event, including:

• Program Guide: Step-by-step instructions on how to organize and lead your session.

• Presentation Materials: A customizable slide deck with key talking points to support your session, video sample and event prep guides.

• Event Promotion Tools – Sample email verbiage to introduce Daphne Draws Data to schools and organizations and social media content to help promote.

• Book Coordination Support – Guidance on securing books, whether through donation, school purchase, or sponsorship.

• Fun Extras – Stickers and bookmarks (when available) to engage students.

Data Detective Leaders will work with SWD to confirm book quantity, shipping, and funding details in advance of their event.

3. Lead a Daphne Draws Data reading & graphing session!

As a Data Detective Leader, you’ll guide a 30-45 minute interactive session, where students will:

• Experience the story: Listen and follow along as Daphne Draws Data is read aloud.

• Engage in a graphing activity: You’ll conduct a live blind survey and transform their responses into a bar chart (we’ll provide instructions, included suggested survey options)

• Analyze and discuss findings: Discover patterns in the data and discuss how graphs help answer real-world questions.

The session is designed to be fun, interactive, and curiosity-driven, helping students build confidence in data storytelling while making learning engaging and memorable.

4. Share & Inspire

After the session, we encourage Lead Data Detectives to share feedback, photos (with permission), and insights from their experience. Our goal is to build a network of passionate professionals and educators dedicated to helping the next generation develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and data literacy skills.