Google’s Public Data Explorer draws on data sets from the World Bank, the US CDC, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other sources of public data. In all there are eighty data sets. The Public Data Explorer makes it possible to quickly create visual representations and visual comparisons of the data sets. Each visualization you create has a unique URL that you can direct people to or you can embed the visualization in a blog or website.

In the video embedded below I demonstrate how to use Google’s Public Data Explorer.

Applications for Education
Google’s Public Data Explorer is a tool that I have used in civics courses that I have taught. I would ask students to analyze data and then create a public policy proposal based on that analysis. The Public Data Explorer is useful in helping students compare data sets.