This article is presented in two parts: in the first part we discuss the use of R and R-related tools when implementing a data science curriculum in the classroom and direct readers to helpful R resources in education, and in the second part, we demonstrate the use of R in exploring COVID-19 data. In particular, we explore ethnic/racial distributions and COVID-19 death rates. Supplementary R markdown files are also included allowing all graphics to be easily reproduced. It is advised that this article be discussed with sensitivity and mindfulness to potentially vulnerable students, especially as there may be students who have lost relatives due to the COVID-19 virus.