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We’re working with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to deliver the ���˿��� micro:bit playground survey – a pioneering investigation of primary school playgrounds by the next generation of data scientists!

But what is data science, and what does a data scientist do? We spoke to Jyldyz, Penny and Tim from the ONS Data Science Campus to find out.

The Data Science Campus was set up to investigate how new data sources can be used for the public good - and according to senior data scientist Jyldyz Djumalieva her job is all about using data to ask questions and solve problems.

‘This approach isn’t new, but data science brings it into the digital age. In this era, data comes in many forms – including things like text, images, audio and video,’ she explains. ‘Data science equips us with the tools to manage and make sense of this, helping individuals and organisations make better decisions.’

Dr Tim Green, who has worked at the ONS for two years, explains that data science is a blend of different subject areas. ‘A data scientist applies technology, statistics, and specific topic knowledge to extract useful information from data, which helps us understand things that are happening,’ he tells us.

Jyldyz agrees that it’s a multidisciplinary field. ‘A data scientist’s job is a fascinating blend of statistics, mathematics, programming and problem-solving.’

"Data has always been important for understanding ourselves and the universe, but now it underpins almost everything in the modern world.”

The role involves using algorithms and other techniques to create models, which can be used to predict future events. A data scientist will gather, clean and explore data to understand it, and once they’ve developed a model, they evaluate its performance and communicate its results.

Data scientists might specialise in specific areas, such as machine learning. Jyldyz works in the Economic Applied Data Science team. She leads projects which use data science to develop new or enhanced economic statistics, and communicates with stakeholders to make sure the team’s solutions meet their needs.

Dr Penny Holborn is Head of Faculty at Data Science Campus, and agrees with Jyldyz that communication is key in data projects. She leads a team of lecturers who teach data science capabilities across the public sector.

‘This makes sure we’re getting the most benefit from the data available to us, and we’re using it to inform decisions for the public good,’ Penny explains.

But why is it important for us to learn about data? Tim, Jyldyz and Penny all agree that data is central to helping us make sense of the world around us.

‘Data has always been important for understanding ourselves and the universe, but now it underpins almost everything in the modern world,’ Tim says. ‘From government and business decisions to the way apps work, data is transforming our world, so it’s vital to understand it.’

Jyldyz thinks data is key to improving society. ‘It can be instrumental in diagnosing and solving problems like road safety or access to healthcare services. A data-driven approach allows us to anticipate trends and prepare for future changes and disruptions.’

And there are diverse routes into data science as a career. While Penny and Tim studied mathematics and astrophysics at university respectively, Jyldyz was studying organisational psychology when she discovered an interest in data.

‘I soon discovered that it was possible to analytically study organisational networks using programming languages like Python. I got really excited about getting first-hand experience and began to explore coding,’ she explains.

However, neither Jyldyz, Tim nor Penny were introduced to coding – a key skill in data science – until university.

‘I wish I had had an opportunity to learn coding at school and to learn the concepts in a fun and practical way, like with the micro:bit,’ says Tim. ‘The fun and interactive nature of the device makes learning to code fun and accessible – anyone can code if they want to.’

He believes the ���˿��� micro:bit playground survey will give pupils the chance to take computing outside the classroom. ‘They’ll experience first-hand the way computers help us understand the world around us. Like any tool, the most powerful way to understand computers is by using them in a practical way.’

Penny adds that she hopes the project will get pupils excited about data. ‘I hope it will show them the power of using data,’ she says.

Jyldyz agrees with Tim that a hands-on approach to learning about technology and data is best. ‘What’s particularly great about this project is its focus on playgrounds – a setting that is both familiar and meaningful to children.’

The survey will unlock possibilities far beyond the playground. ‘I find that being able to make sense of the world through data is incredibly empowering,’ Jyldyz continues. ‘It opens up lots of possibilities for driving positive change.’

Primary school teachers can find more information on how to take part in the playground survey, including free training and resources, on the ���˿��� micro:bit – the next gen website.

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Science and Technology, visit our Bitesize Careers site.

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