I don't find many examples of cluster analysis to share, but this example is REALLY engaging (using data to find serial killers), and is simple enough for a baby statistician BUT you can also make it a more advanced lesson as the data's owners freely share their data and code. Short Version: Journalist Thomas Hargrove (and his team) used cluster analysis to find clusters of similar killings within geographic areas. These might be a sign that a serial killer is active in that geographic region. It correctly identified a killer in Indiana. I found this interview from datainnovation.org which most succinctly describes the data analysis: https://www.datainnovation.org/2017/07/5-qs-for-thomas-hargrove-founder-of-the-murder-accountability-project/ Also statsy because the cluster analysis was validated using data from known serial killers. Hargrove's data and code can be accessed  here  and more information on his overall project to solve murders can be found...

A database codebook is the documentation of all of the data entry rules and coding schemes used in a given database. And code books usually contain examples of every kind of variable and level of measurement you need to teach your students during the first two weeks of Intro Stats. You can use any code book from any database relevant to your own scholarship as an example in class. Or perhaps you can find a code book particularly relevant to the students or majors you are teaching. Here, I will describe how to use Global Terrorism Database ’s code book  for this purpose. The Global Terrorism Database is housed at the University of Maryland and has been tracking national and international terrorism since 1970 and has collected information on  over 170, 000 attacks. So, the database in and of itself could be useful in class. But, I will focus on just the code book for now, as I think this example cuts across disciplines and interests as all of our students are aware of terroris...