Analyzing and Visualization of Data: A Team Project in an Undergraduate Course Evaluating Food Insecurity in U.S. Households

This paper presents a case study that integrates data analysis and visualization in a team project introduced in an undergraduate course focusing on food, nutrition, and health. The project is guided by a Ten Steps framework proposed by the instructor, involving the establishment and self-evaluation of student learning goals, identification of research questions, selection of data sources and analytic tools, task allocation among students, data analysis, data visualization, and finalizing the overall project. Throughout this project, students gain valuable insights into (1) the prevalence and inequality of food insecurity in the United States; (2) practical skills in conducting data analysis; (3) effective visualization of research findings for impactful presentations; (4) cultivating advanced critical thinking and decision-making skills; (5) improving skills on teamwork, presentation, and communication, ultimately enhancing employability; and (6) gaining active and personalized learning experiences. The Ten Steps framework can be easily applied to team projects centered on data analysis and data visualization in undergraduate courses. The case study can be adapted for undergraduate courses in food security, food and nutrition, and agricultural economics.