This module adaptation combines the Data Carpentry: Data Organization in Spreadsheets Ecology Lesson (Bahlai and Teal 2017) and the teaching module Data Management Using NEON Small Mammal Data (McNeil and Jones 2018) to address the challenge of managing data during research by incorporating already developed spreadsheet data management exercises to answer an extended question on NEON small mammal data. 

This activity is designed to be carried out in a 1.25 hr lecture style course, however, students will need access to computers during this activity. Although the activity can be easily extended, its adaptation to the original was intended for instructors with high need to teach data management skills in a short period of time. 

Specific module adaptations

Data Carpentry: Data Organization in Spreadsheets Ecology Lesson activity from Software Carpentry was added to McNeil and Jones (2018) in order to emphasize on proper data management when using large datasets. 

In this adapted activity, students will learn how to: 

• format spreadsheets for effective data use.
• carry out spreadsheet quality assurance and control.
• conduct a pilot analysis by managing a large, open access dataset to answer a research question. 

This module adaptation was implemented in 2018 at the University of Richmond during an introductory biology course.