Teacher: Fred Kral, Ph.D.
Email me: fkral
Call classroom: 415-339-9336 x111
Get info: http://teach.kralsite.com
Course Description
This yearlong elective interweaves statistics with topics in mathematics.
The college preparatory introduction to statistics focuses on the statistical thinking behind data gathering and interpretation. Students summarize, represent, and interpret data with one or two categorical and quantitative variables, interpret linear models, evaluate random processes underlying statistical experiments, make inferences, and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies. Statistical ideas and reasoning and their relevance are explored in a wide variety of fields such as medicine, education, environmental science, business, psychology, sports, politics, and entertainment. Interwoven are important topics for numerical competence in our complex world.
The topics in mathematics provide life skills—preparing students for success in college, their careers, and their daily lives—as well as an appreciation for fields in mathematics beyond the core curriculum. Topics may include business mathematics, graph theory, and game theory. Wherever reasonable, each mathematical topic is linked to the statistical concepts of the course.
Required text and supplemental materials
- Tabor, Josh and Chris Franklin. Statistical Reasoning in Sports, First Edition. New York: W.H. Freeman, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-7437-1. Required.
- Starnes, Daren S., Daniel S. Yates, and David S. Moore. Statistics Through Applications, Second Edition. New York: W. H. Freeman, 2011. Supplemental.
- SRIS textbook companion website, http://bcs.whfreeman.com/sris. Required.
- Pyrczak, Fred, Statistics with a Sense of Humor: A Humorous Workbook and Guide to Study Skills, Second Edition. Los Angeles: Pyrczak Publishing: 1999. ISBN: 1-884585-10-8. Required.
- Fathom® Dynamic Data Software, version 2. http://concord.org/fathom-dynamic-data-software. Required.
- Laptop computer. Required.
- Microsoft Excel or equivalent spreadsheet software. Required.
- Texas Instruments TI-84 Graphing Calculator (Plus and Silver Editions are OK). Required.
- Rechargeable AAA batteries for the calculator and a battery charger (AA/AAA). Recommended.
- 3 ring binder.
- Pockets to organize paper that is not hole punched (in the binder or separately).
- Pencils (mechanical recommended).
Assessment
| Homework: timely completion of homework assignments. Assessed formally and informally. | 5 points per homework |
| Quizzes and Tests: written and graphical solutions. | 50 points per quiz, 150 points per test |
| End-Semester Assessments: final examination or final project. | 20% of course grade |
In-Class work and Projects: positive energy and interest level during in-class work including discussion, working on investigations and projects, practice during class, and using notes. Assessed informally. |
20 points per week, up to 100 points per project |
| Commitment to learning: Taking on what is challenging to you, getting help, communicating with the teacher, engaging with the material, and taking personally meaningful notes. Assessed informally. | 100 points per semester |
Late work policy and tardy policy
The teacher enters grades once per week on a weekday communicated to the students. Students get credit for late work up to that weekly deadline. Students who are late to class or leave the classroom for an extended time during class receive a maximum of 60% of the day's in-class work credit.
I encourage study groups. You may work with others (not just students) unless instructed otherwise as long as all of you contribute. It is wise to put the name of each contributing student on an assignment to avoid issues with plagiarism.
Come visit or email! – Fred