Statistics


Statistics Syllabus--short and color version

This course is offered as a full-year class to qualified high-school juniors and seniors who have successfully completed Algebra 2. Students who qualify for College in the Schools have the option to take the course concurrently through Braham Area High School and St. Cloud State University. Topics include: statistical background to critically read results reported in today's media regarding social, environmental and medical choices; how to collect good data; describe data graphically and numerically; uses and abuses of statistics; understanding variation and statistical significance; modeling chance; statistics in the courtroom, lotteries, opinion pools and other case studies; emphasis on understanding concepts along with computations; use of software packages and the internet.

The course provides a detailed study of statistics, including four main areas: exploratory analysis, probability, experimental design, and statistical inference. This course is taught as a problem solving-based course in which students actively construct their own understanding of the concepts and techniques of statistics through the use of real-life examples. Teaching materials for the course come from a course textbook, supplementary online textbooks, classroom lectures, newspapers, journals, videos, and the internet. The course will prepare students for any statistics course they take at the college level, where many major fields of study require statistics. This course will provide a solid base in statistical thinking for students pursuing degrees in advertising, business, biology, economics, health sciences, mathematics, psychology, the social sciences, and more—or  for anyone who wants to make intelligent choices based on the vast amount of data in our world.


Course Syllabus
Statistical Thinking (STAT 193)--3 credits    
Braham Area High School/St. Cloud State University
Instructor:  Mrs. Stone                                                                       
320-396-5243

 

Course Description

The course provides a detailed study of statistics, including four main areas: exploratory analysis, probability, experimental design, and statistical inference. This course is taught as a problem solving-based course in which students actively construct their own understanding of the concepts and techniques of statistics through the use of real-life examples. Teaching materials for the course come from a course textbook, supplementary online textbooks, classroom lectures, newspapers, journals, videos, and the internet. The course will prepare students for any statistics course they take at the college level, where many major fields of study require statistics. This course will provide a solid base in statistical thinking for students pursuing degrees in advertising, business, biology, economics, health sciences, mathematics, psychology, the social sciences, and more—or  for anyone who wants to make intelligent choices based on the vast amount of data in our world.

 

Textbook:          Bock, Velleman, & DeVeaux. STATS Modeling the World, 4th edition. Pearson (2015).

 

Prerequisites:   

Three years of high school mathematics, including successful completion of Algebra 2. For concurrent enrollment with SCSU, seniors must rank in the top one-half of their class, and juniors must rank in the top one-third of their class.

 

Course Topic Outline:          The course is divided into four main course topics.

  1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
  2. Exploring relationships between variables
  3. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
  4. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
  5. Statistical Inference: Make conclusions about a population, given sample data

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Use graphical and numerical techniques to explore data by studying patterns and departures from patterns, and they will interpret information from graphical and numerical displays and summaries.
  2. Collect data according to a well-developed plan, including clarifying the question, deciding on a method of data collection and analysis, and making a conjecture.
  3. Anticipate what the distribution of data should look like under a given model, by calculating and interpreting probability, combining independent random variables, working with the normal distribution, and using sampling distributions.
  4. Use statistical inference to estimate population parameters and test hypotheses.
  5. Demonstrate mastery of the basic concepts presented in the Course Objectives.
  6. Use clearly defined terms that show an intuitive understanding of statistical concepts when explaining them to individuals or groups, in both spoken and written form.
  7. Apply statistical concepts when collecting information and make informed decisions using statistics.
  8. Develop an appreciation for the depth of understanding that statistics add to real-life situations and understand how statistics are used to visualize and add mathematical facts to subjective situations.
  9. Read and analyze surveys and experiments as reported in the media.
  10.  Use the tools of statistics to develop good problem-solving, critical thinking, and citizenship skills.
  11. Use technology effectively, both handheld and computers, to investigate, analyze, and present statistical information.
  12. Prepare for further success in college–level mathematics and/or statistics courses.

 

Class Procedures And Expectations:

  1. Students will bring to class every day all necessary materials (listed in the following section).
  2. Students will not bring to class improper items (food, jackets, backpacks,  etc.).
  3. Students will participate actively and respectfully in mathematics work during the entire class period by listening, taking notes, asking and answering questions, and working with classmates as directed.
  4. Students will work in assigned groups for many assignments, including doing board work and giving presentations to the class. Students are expected to participate in all assigned group activities.
  5. Students will turn in all assignments on time in order to receive full credit. Credit for late homework assignments will be given according to the Student Handbook.
  6. Students will make their best effort every day and take responsibility for their academic performance, understanding that their level of success and achievement in this class is their personal choice.
  7. Students may use digital devices during class only at the discretion of the teacher.

 

 

Required Course Materials:

Students will bring to class every day all necessary materials, including:

  1. Textbook
  2. Three-ring binder—1.5” size or larger, in which all class handouts are stored.
  3. Paper—regular and graph.
  4. Pencil. Only work done in pencil will be accepted.
  5. Calculator (if you have one). Your teacher has graphing calculators available for classroom use only. Phones are not allowed.

 

Course Requirements:

Exams:     Students will take an exam at the end of each unit, approximately every 3-4 weeks. The exams will include previously learned concepts. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the school year. Make-up tests will not be an option for students taking the course for college credit. 

 

Quizzes:    Announced or unannounced quizzes are possible on any non-test day.

 

Quiz and Exam Policies: 

During exams students may not consult books, notes, or any person except the instructor. Doing so, including looking at another person’s test during a quiz or exam, constitutes academic dishonesty and will be treated as such.  Calculators may be used on tests and quizzes at the discretion of the teacher. Students are expected to take the exams when scheduled.  If a student has a legitimate, verifiable excuse, he or she should make arrangements before the exam (if known) or within 24 hours after the exam (if not possible before). Students absent on test day are expected to take the test on the day they return.

 

Homework:

Students are responsible for the assigned problems. Doing the homework will help you learn the material and prepare for quiz and test questions. Showing and explaining work on all problems will help prepare for solving more difficult problems later on and will maximize credit on homework, quizzes, and exams. Homework questions are discussed at the beginning of the next class period. The instructor is also available to answer questions during specified times outside of class.

 

Projects:   Small projects will be assigned throughout the year, including summarizing and/or evaluating articles, conducting surveys, and other activities pertinent to the class objectives. Students will complete a larger project each quarter or semester and a final, comprehensive project at the end of the school year.

 

Writing:    Statistics class involves much more writing than any math class students have previously taken. Students must write clear explanations, using precise terminology and proper grammar, including complete sentences.

 

Course Policies:

  • Students will follow all rules and procedures as posted and/or stated by the teacher, and they are subject to consequences as stated in the Student Handbook.
  • Students are expected to abide by the St. Cloud State University policy on academic honesty, as found in SCSU Student Handbook. www.stcloudstate.edu/studenthandbook/code/conduct.asp
  • Late homework assignments will earn credit according to the Braham Area High School student handbook.
  • “Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible, so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunity.”

 

 

Grading:

Grades are weighted according to the following percentages and assessments:

      75%     Unit Exams and Quizzes

      25%     Homework, Projects, and Class Participation

 

Evaluation and Grading:

The grading scale is as follows:

 

A+       exceeding 100%

A         95% - 100%

A-        90% - 94%

B+       86% - 89%

B         83% - 85%

B-        80% - 82%

C+       76% - 79%

C         73% - 75%

C-        70% - 72%

D+       66% - 69%

D         63% - 65%

D-        60% - 62%

F          below 60%

 Student grades will be posted weekly on Power School.

Teacher-Student Communication:

  1. The most effective way for teacher and students to communicate is during class; therefore, students are encouraged to attend class every day and listen, read, and discuss class topics such as assignments, quizzes, exams, and any special situations (for example, a substitute teacher).
  2. Students are expected to regularly read and respond to teacher emails.
  3. Students are responsible for any information shared by the teacher using the Remind app.
  4. Students are responsible for information posted in Google Classroom, including supplementary notes, videos, assignments, etc.
  5. Students and parents can access proposed weekly lesson plans on the teacher’s school website, which will be posted by 8:00 Monday morning of each week.

 

Calculators:

Students have access to TI-Nspire and TI-83 calculators during class, but they may not take the calculators for use outside of class. Please consult the teacher if you wish to purchase a calculator and want suggestions on the specific model to choose.

 

Study Tips:

  1. Spend at least 30 - 60 minutes per day, including weekends, working on this course material. Working with your classmates whenever possible will be helpful for many students.
  2. Take notes during class and review your notes to help your understanding of the concepts.
  3. Read the assigned chapter sections for understanding. This means reading more than once and studying the calculations, tables, graphs, and other features carefully.
  4. Do the homework the same day of class. Solving homework problems is a big portion of this course and is necessary for understanding the topics and developing your thinking.
  5. Keep your materials well organized.
  6. Review the textbook and your class notes before starting each homework assignment.
  7. Do not copy a classmate’s homework or the answers in the textbook, as doing so will not improve your learning and will have a negative effect on your grade.
  8. Use your resources for learning: textbook, teacher, classmates, websites, and others.
  9. Attend class every day. If you know you will be absent, make arrangements with your teacher in advance to get your work. Follow the absence policies in the Student Handbook.

 

Please sign and return this page to Mrs. Stone.

 

 

I have read the course syllabus, I understand the requirements, and I agree to follow all class procedures and expectations.

 

_____________________________________________                 

Student’s Name (printed)                                                                                                  

 

_____________________________________________                  ______________

Student’s Signature                                                                      Date

 

I have also read this course syllabus, I understand the class expectations, and I agree to hold my child accountable for them.

 

_____________________________________________                 

Parent’s or Guardian’s Name (printed)                                                                                                          

 

_____________________________________________                  ______________

Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature                                                   Date

 

 

 

 

 

Parent or Guardian Email(s)    (PLEASE PRINT) 

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

 

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