Algebra 1 Summer School Syllabus

Statistical Reasoning in Sports

Syllabus and Classroom Management Plan: 2016-2017

“The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated,

but to make complicated things simple”

S.Gudder

Introduction:

Welcome to one of the most useful and interesting math classes that you will ever take! I would like to offer you two hints that will help you go far in my class. First, always maintain a positive attitude, even if the material seems complicated and you feel overwhelmed. Secondly, and more important, is to always give your very best effort and work hard. To work is to learn and learning will bring achievement, and ultimately achievement will bring success! Just by bringing these two qualities to class each day will make you a successful student.

Course Description:

This course teaches students how to use the four-steps of the statistical process in the context of sports: ask questions, collect data, analyze data, and make conclusions. Each chapter will begin with a sports-related statistical question (e.g. Is there a home field advantage in the NFL?) and then students will learn how to collect appropriate data, how to analyze the data, and how to make appropriate conclusions. This course satisfies the California Mathematics Content Standards for Probability and Statistics. We will be using the textbook Statistical Reasoning in Sports by Josh Tabor and Christine Franklin.

Required Materials - Textbook, notebook, pencil, paper and a Graphing Calculator (preferably TI-83 or 84).

Behavioral & “C-L-A-S-S” Expectations:

Successful students demonstrate respect: respect for themselves, peers, teachers, classroom, books and desks. Upon this core foundation, it is the right of each student to be provided an atmosphere in which the learning process is not hampered. To assure a proper learning environment in our classroom, the following “C-L-A-S-S” rules and expectations will be adhered to:

1. Contribute to a positive learning environment.
2. Listen and show respect to classmates and teacher.
3. Arrive to class on time prepared and ready to work.
4. Shut off all electronic devices, especially cell phones and IPODS, prior to entering the class.
5. Show and demonstrate integrity and character in your words and actions.

Grading:

Your grade will be based on the following four categories with the following scale:

Tests:40%

Quizzes10%

Chapter Investigations:40%

Homework:10%

Letter grades will follow the normal school scale and grades will be updated on Aeries at least every week.

Homework Policy:

Each homework assignment is due the next class meeting, although it will be collected on Fridays. Selected homework problems will be reviewed in class and questions on problems will be answered at that time. If a student doesn’t understand a homework problem, they are strongly encouraged to seek additional help before or after school. Students will receive full credit if and only if the assignment is fully completed and correct. Since most homework is not collected until students have had ample time to ask questions and correct work, late homework is accepted one day late at half credit.

Chapter Investigations:

Each Chapter will include at least one Individual or Group Investigation. They are intended to help obtain and reinforce the content of each chapter and will be a major part of your grade, thus attendance and full participation during these investigations is mandatory!

Projects:

Each semester a major project will be assigned. This project will count double an investigation and will require a power point presentation. More details on the projects will be given during the semester.

Participation:

Mathematics, especially Statistics, is not a spectator sport and each student is expected to positively contribute to the class, either voluntarily or when asked. Participation also includes asking questions about the material being covered and I strongly encourage all students to ask pertinent questions if they are having trouble. Please don’t be afraid to ask questions, as I cannot read minds—yet! 

Attendance and Tardies:

Due to the pacing of this course, consistent attendance and punctuality are necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to find out and make up all assignments that were missed due to a legitimate absence. A legitimate absence does not include truant, unexcused or personal business. Having anunexcused absence forfeits your right to complete any missed homework or assessments. If you miss class the day of (or before) a test for a school-related activity or due to an unexcused absence, you will take the test on a make-up day determined by the instructor. Tardy policies are outlined in the Student Handbook and will be handled appropriately.

Make-ups and Missing Class:

If you are on campus and missing class because of a school activity or function (e.g. sports/ASB etc.) it is your responsibility to turn in your assignments, take any missed quizzes or tests on that sameday during your own time. Only one make-up day per chapter will be offered to take any missed tests. THERE WILL BE NO OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE UP AN EXAM, so please prioritize and schedule accordingly. Please note that absences on exams and other due dates will be monitored by the instructor and handled appropriately.

Academic Dishonesty:

Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District places an emphasis on and promotes ethical behavior and academic honesty. An environment of academic honesty ensures student learning is assessed accurately, and honest hard-working students are at a disadvantage. Academic dishonesty is abhorred in all its forms and includes:

Turning in someone else’s work as if you did it yourself.

Sharing any materials, including a calculator, during a test or quiz.

Intentionally removing any homework solutions, quiz or test from the room.

Allowing another student to look at your paper or looking at another student’s paper.

Copying another person’s paper.

Any instance(s) of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be pursued and punished in accordance with PYLUSD Code of Conduct and school policy.

Extra-Help:

Students are strongly encouraged to seek extra-help when they feel they are struggling with the content or do not feel comfortable asking questions during class. I am at lunch and after school on Wednesdays.

Contacting Ms Hansen

If either you or your parents have any questions regarding these rules, the class or its content, or your grade or performance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the e-mail or phone number listed on the front page. E-mail contact is definitely preferred and I usually return any questions or comments within 24 hours. Parent conferences, if required, can be scheduled before or after school.