AP Statistics Course Expectations 2015-2016
Instructor: Hope Concannon Classroom: Mitchell 218
Email:
Goals of the Course
The focus of this course is on understanding how statistics is used to make decisions and to address real-world problems. We will begin the course with the study of sampling and experimental design, as we must know how to properly collect data before we analyze it. We will then study univariate data analysis, including summary statistics and graphical techniques, with emphasis on interpretation and communication. Additional topics to be studied include normal distributions, probability, and an introduction to random variables. As the year progresses, topics will include probability; sampling distributions; inference procedures for means and proportions; chi-square tests for goodness-of-fit, homogeneity, and independence; correlation; regression; and inference procedures for slope.
Statistics is much more than a collection of skills to be mastered. It includes methods of investigating and reasoning and means of communicating conjectures and conclusions. Many assignments will focus more on interpretation than on a numerical answer resulting from computations. Small group work is an important part of class. So that you can learn from each other, all group members must share ideas and listen to others.
Much of what you learn about statistics is learned best by doing. Daily homework assignments will be made, and it is important that you come to class prepared. Often class discussions will be based on reading or problem assignments, and you will definitely learn more through participation. As part of your daily homework, it is important that you think back over what we discussed in class. Please ask questions whenever you are unclear about something you read or we discussed.
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Throughout the year, occasional special projects in which you gather and analyze your own data will be assigned. Some of these projects will be done individually; others will be done by pairs or small groups of students. All projects will be documented by written reports.
The content you study in this course will provide a sound basis for the Advanced Placement Statistics examination.
Materials for the course
· The textbook for the course is The Practice of Statistics, written by Starnes, Yates, and Moore.
· You will need your graphing calculator (TI-84+) every day in class.
· You will need to keep a notebook, preferably loose-leaf. Your collection of current class notes, homework, handouts, and graded work wiil be useful during this course and for later courses.
· You will be informed in advance when you will need your laptop in class. Be aware that students should use laptop computers only for appropriate academic purposes in the classroom. Distracting activities such as web browsing, Facebook, checking e-mail, or instant messaging are specifically prohibited and will be sanctioned.
Class Organization and Grading
Generally our class will be a mixture of lecture, discussions, and small group work. Questions are encouraged. Explaining your ideas to others is vital. In group work, each member of the group has the responsibility to explain ideas and techniques. Be sure that everyone shares the work so that everyone understands and can actually do the work involved. Often, you will be asked to write about the mathematics you are learning. Writing activities will enhance our communication with each other and give you the opportunity to clarify your ideas about calculus.
Homework is a critical part of this class and will be given daily. Some will be reading assignments that may not involve computation but will be the basis for class discussion. Some will be calculator or computer simulations on which we will build the next day’s lesson. Homework will be checked, and we will often spend some class time discussing homework. Most homework will not be graded, however, and you are encouraged to discuss these daily assignments with each other. Some graded problems and projects are to be worked independently of other people. I will specify which assignments will be graded and/or are to be worked independently.
I expect neatness and thoroughness on all homework. I will use homework checks as a major component of your effort grade as well as a portion of your academic grade. You will receive 5 points for full effort and 0 for not having your work. You may make up a missed assignment by the next day and can receive 2 or 3 points for it. Unless otherwise stated, you are welcome to work with other students to complete daily homework assignments.
Assessments throughout the year will include quizzes (both announced and unannounced), tests, projects, classwork, graded homework, and review work, and there will be both individual and group assessments. Every assignment will have a different point value and your grade will simply be the number of points you earn out of the total points possible. Typical point values are: Tests = 50-100, quizzes = 10-30, classwork and group worksheets = 10-30, review work = 10-30, and projects = 20-50.
Academic Honesty
I have very high expectations of you and consider any form of academic dishonesty to be a very serious offense. The academic integrity rules may be different from one assignment to another (especially on out-of-class assignments), so it is my responsibility to be clear about the rules in each case. It is your responsibility to ask me for clarification if you are unsure of the expectations.
On daily homework that will not be graded, you are encouraged to use all appropriate available resources and to collaborate with other students.
All in-class tests and quizzes should be completed without consulting books, notes, other students or adults, or their notes or papers. You are not to discuss the content, length, difficulty or format of a test with anyone until I inform you that all students have taken the test.
On out-of-class work (such as take-home tests, graded assignments, and lab reports) I will specify if you are to work alone or with a specific group. You will generally be allowed to use books and your own notes as resources, but you will NEVER be allowed to use other students’ work as a resource on graded assignments.
At all times, your signature on an assignment will be considered your pledge that you have completed the task honestly. If you are unable to sign your name honestly, talk with me immediately. On individual assignments, your signature means that the work is yours and yours alone. On group reports these signatures mean that all group members contributed significantly to the work. If not all members of your group are doing their part, talk with me as soon as possible.
It is never honest to use another student's work (outside of assigned groups) on graded assignments or reports. Give credit for any sources you use for information in your papers, including your textbook.
Absences, Tardies, and Late Work
When you are absent, you are responsible for whatever happened that day. Notify me immediately if you are missing class. Identify a classmate who will notice when you are missing and will take particularly good notes to share with you. This should include notes on class discussions and group work, and all assignments (homework and graded assignments), along with due dates. If you miss enough time that you need an extension on a due date, talk to me immediately.
I expect you to come to class on time every day, and you should be prepared and ready to participate positively in all class activities. If you request to return to your room for your books, assignments, or materials, you will receive a tardy if you are late to class.
I expect you to turn in assignments on time. Unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances, late graded work is unacceptable. If you think you will not be able to meet a deadline, please let me know as soon as you realize that you are having difficulty completing the assignment on time and certainly at least 24 hours before it is due. Work that is turned in late without prior approval will be subject to a 20% deduction for each day that the assignment is late.
How to get Help
It is important that you seek help immediately when you feel uneasy or confused by any aspect of the class: the concepts, the techniques, or the use of technology. As your teacher, I am a very important source of help outside of class. You can make an appointment to see me before school or during my free periods; also, feel free to drop by whenever I am not actively teaching. My class schedule is posted outside my door so you will know when I am likely to be available. I check email often, so you may also use that to ask questions or to request an appointment.
A second source of help is Math Lab, which meets every period of every academic day. These are unstructured help sessions where math teachers and will respond to your questions. Do realize, however, that not all math teachers will be completely prepared to answer questions regarding Statistics.
A third and powerful source of help are your classmates or students in other sections of this class. I encourage you to form study groups that meet regularly to share class notes, discuss homework solutions and study for tests.