Episode 160: Data Science, Math and Python, Oh My!

In this episode, Kelly Schuster-Paredes talks with Mahmoud Harding about data science education and how he approaches teaching Python, R, and statistics. Mahmoud explains his role at Data Science for Everyone and discusses the ADAPT model, with a focus on project-based learning, student curiosity, and getting learners working with their own data early. The conversation compares R and Python as data science tools, with Mahmoud outlining how each language developed and how libraries like NumPy and pandas helped Python grow in the field. He also describes Jupyter Everywhere, a browser-based notebook environment meant to reduce setup barriers for schools and make it easier for students to use R or Python. Later, they discuss the importance of judgment, domain knowledge, and nuance when interpreting data, and Kelly suggests that books and history can also be treated as data for classroom analysis. The episode ends with Mahmoud sharing how to connect with him and mentioning an upcoming D...