Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They ask questions, notice patterns, and try to make sense of what they observe. For children’s museums and science centers, this innate curiosity is a powerful starting point. When we give young visitors tools to explore their questions, we help them develop the skills they need to become confident problem solvers and enhance their ability to think critically and make decisions based on what they learn. This is why teaching children how to collect, visualize, and analyze data is a true superpower that kids can use now and as they grow into adults.
At storytelling with data, we believe data visualization and interpretation is a foundational skill for young learners. In a world where data consumption is on the rise, the ability to interpret information, graph it clearly, and turn insights into action is essential. The challenge is that math can feel intimidating or boring for some children because it is not always taught in the most engaging way. We want to change this by exposing kids to learn math concepts (data specifically) through a fun story and hands-on activity, using a friendly and adventurous dragon, Daphne.
Daphne Draws Data: A Storytelling with Data Adventure, written by storytelling with data CEO and bestselling author Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic introduces children to a lovable dragon, Daphne, who enjoys solving problems and making new friends using her data drawing superpowers. Through Daphne’s adventures, kids discover that data is all around them and that collecting information, drawing graphs, and communicating what they see are powerful tools for exploration and decision-making. This playful storytelling approach helps young learners build confidence while developing foundational STEM and math skills.
Free resources to enhance museum programming
For museums and science centers that aim to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning, Daphne offers a natural bridge between storytelling, mathematics, and interactive exploration. To extend the experience beyond the book, we have developed educational resources designed specifically for educators, families, and informal learning organizations.
One of the most accessible ways for museums to bring these ideas to life is by joining the free Data Detectives program, which provides ready-to-use materials for museum staff to lead engaging STEM programming for kids as part of public events, field trips, or summer camps. After joining, museum staff will get access to all the materials they need to lead short and dynamic experiences built around an interactive read-aloud of Daphne Draws Data, followed by a hands-on graphing activity.
As they participate, children practice key data literacy skills: collecting information, representing it visually, and discussing what they see. This allows them to experience the museum in a new way by collecting data based on their experience at the museum. As an added bonus the museum will gain new data from patrons that can help them shape future exhibits and guest experiences!
Visitors at Discovery World participate in a Data Detectives event as part of a Girls in STEM Day in March 2025. / Photo courtesy storytelling with data.
Continue the learning with an interactive, math-focused exhibit
The Daphne Draws Data Interactive Exhibit, developed by Mike’s Interactives, is a hands-on touchscreen experience that transforms graphing into an engaging visitor activity. The exhibit invites children to step into Daphne’s world and actively participate in building graphs with other visitors.
By combining storytelling, interactive exhibits, and facilitated programming, museums can help young visitors discover that data is not just about numbers; it is about asking questions, understanding information, and making sense of the world.
As one museum director stated: “The Daphne Draws Data exhibit makes learning about data easy and fun through an engaging touch screen experience. They light up with excitement seeing their own data point come to life on a graph alongside their peers, turning math into something truly interactive and joyful.”
Our long-term vision is to see Daphne’s graphing adventures spark curiosity in children’s museums and learning centers around the world. By combining storytelling, interactive exhibits, and facilitated programming, museums can help young visitors discover that data is not just about numbers, it is about asking questions, understanding information, and making sense of the world.
Get Involved
By working together, we can help the next generation discover that when numbers come to life through stories and exploration, data becomes a powerful tool for creativity and discovery!Contact us at hellodaphne@storytellingwithdata.com
