"2012 has been a great year for all kinds of data visualizations. Data owners are realizing that the best way to communicate the insights buried in their data is by visualizing it. This means there have been tons of great static infographics, motion graphics, and interactive visualizations created this year. We did a roundup of some of the best from each category."
Are you looking for some great infographics/visualizations? If so, check out this post from Visual.ly that provides 20 great infographics of 2012, 20 great motion graphics of 2012 and 20 great interactive visualizations of 2012.
Infographics and visualizations are great tools to use with students. Here is a list of a few of what you may find when you click through to the post: Curiosity's Landing on Mars (The Seven Minutes of Terror), a map of Hurricanes since 1851, Measuring the Universe, and the History of Manifest Destiny.