Course Objective
This course is intended to give students a thorough understanding of statistics similar to that expected upon completion of a first year college introductory statistics course. In addition, students will learn how to use technology to assist in exploratory data analysis, and statistical inference. The technology used will emphasize the mastery of the statistical capabilities of a graphing calculator, in particular the TI – 84 or TI – 89, as well as statistical software, including MINITAB. Furthermore, students will learn to develop and complete statistical studies through three long-term projects and several short-term activities.
Class Procedure
Lessons of new material will be presented through two main approaches:
1. Traditional-style lecture, in which material will be presented through explanation, examples, and questioning.
2. Inquiry-based activities, in which the material is presented through a series of leading questions.
Students will work in small groups on pre-designed worksheets that will have students reaching generally the same conclusions about the material. In this approach, there is room for divergent thinking and problem-solving, as well as a summary time where any necessary corrections would be made.
Furthermore, topics will be reinforced through hands-on, inter-disciplinary experimental activities, as well as long term projects.
Grading
Tests 60%
Projects/Activities 15%
Quizzes/Free Response 15%
Homework 10%
Tests
Tests are a combination of multiple choice and free-response questions. Most of the multiple-choice questions on a particular test will come from the chapter (or chapters) under study. Some multiple choice questions are cumulative. The free-response questions will typically be comprehensive, highlighting a topic (or topics) learned in that chapter. Since most free-response questions have different parts, the free-response questions that appear on tests will be designed the same way with an emphasis on a more recent topic. In addition, tests typically will be graded in the format that the College Board adopts for grading the AP exam. STUDENTS CANNOT KEEP THE TESTS. Completed tests will be kept on file for review purposes only.
Quizzes
Quizzes will consist of one free response question like those found in part A of section II of the AP exam, or a series of 8 – 10 multiple choice questions. These will be given frequently throughout the grading period, at least one per week. The best eight quizzes per student will count toward their final grading period grade.
Projects/Activities
Students will carry out several short-term activities (one to two days long), as well as three major projects, throughout the year. Several of these activities and projects are described below. The main purpose of the short-term activities is to teach and give practice to students how to communicate methods, results, and interpretations using the vocabulary of statistics. These activities will be well-defined, with specific goals especially an emphasis on communication. The main purpose of the long-term projects is to draw connections between all aspects of the statistical process including design, analysis, and conclusions.
Expectations
This is an advanced placement class designed to prepare you for success on the AP test next spring. As such, as the student, you will have to put forth a concerted effort to be successful. This will include the activities, and assignments described above, as well as outside reading (mostly of the text), and practice tests.
The only way to be truly successful in this class is to take every portion of it seriously. You will need:
• A strong ability to synthesize theoretical concepts and the relationships among them, and to correctly apply these concepts to real world (or real world – like) situations.
• Skill in written communication that is accurate, clear, and succinct.
• Willingness to give undivided attention to the subject during the entirety of each class.
• Responsibility to complete, with appropriate effort, homework assignments
• Personal discipline and motivation to learn.
Additionally:
• 90% of the grade (Tests, Quizzes, and Projects) will be based on assessments that are graded on accuracy and on written communication that demonstrates complete understanding of statistical concepts.
• Students who are not prepared to make the commitment required for the elements mentioned above and whose primary motivation in taking the course is for AP recognition /college admissions are generally not successful in an AP course.
• Students with poor attendance and/or poor study habits are generally not successful in an AP course.
If you miss this class because of a school related activity or pre-planned absence, you MUST arrange to make up the work ahead of time.
If you miss this class because of an appointment or EXCUSED tardy to school, then you must turn in the work due before you leave or when you return to school. Also, you must make arrangements to make up a missed quiz or test because of these circumstances.
Missing class because of an UNEXCUSED tardy or absence will mean forfeiting the points available in class that day (due homework or planned quiz or test)
If you miss class because of an unexpected illness or other excused emergency, you must complete the work in the amount of time as outlined by the student handbook.
Class Rules
1. You must be to class on time!
2. NO disrupting the lesson, this includes talking
and getting out of your seat without permission.
3. Come to class prepared
4. Only 3 restroom/hall passes per quarter.
5. No food or drink in class.
Consequences for Poor Behavior
1. Verbal Warning
2. One minute after class
3. Detention after school
4. Referral to the assistant principal
5. Parent Teacher Conference