 A set of mathematical techniques used to organize and manipulate data for the purpose of answering question and testing theories.

 For graduation, you need to take four math courses.  Statistics is not “mathy” › Minimal algebraic manipulations › Mostly computational (you use your calculator a lot) › Relies mostly on your interpretation and analysis.  Statistics is a math course many students stronger in writing are successful in. #1

 Be able to understand numerical information and not be mislead. #2

 Be a better consumer  Understand news reports  Understand medical tests  Understand results from surveys

 Be able to organize data in a meaningful way #3

 We are in a technological age where information can be recorded easily  We need to have methods for organizing the information so that we can make meaning of it.

 For example: UPS tracks every package as it is shipped around the world.  There are over 3.3 million UPS packages shipped per day.  For UPS to understand how well (or poorly) they are doing as a postal service, they need to be able to organize the information on all 3.3 million packages that are shipped each day.

 To be able to analyze the reliability of a statistical statement.  For example:  “96 percent of all students at AHS prefer football as their extracurricular activity”  This statement is based on a survey of 25 football players during football practice. #4

 In order to make sound decisions.  For example:  “Statistics show far fewer skateboarding injuries during the winter while sledding injuries are more common. Clearly, I’m safer going down Popsicle precipice (a sledding hill) on my skateboard” – Calvin and Hobbes #5

 If you are planning on attending college, you will most likely have to take an introductory statistics course in college.  2 out of 3 students at the University of Delaware are required to take a statistics course as part of their degree program. #6

 Math  psychology  Chemistry  physics  biology  nursing  animal science  economics  accounting  management information  business administration  international business studies  management  marketing  operations management  sports management  hotel and restaurant management  geography  environmental studies  geology  energy and environmental policy  agriculture and natural resources  plant taxonomy  wildlife conservation  entomology (bug science)

 natural resource management  landscape horticulture and design  Plant protection  Fashion and Apparel design  Fashion merchandising  Linguistic and cognitive studies  Applied music – instrumental  Applied music – voice  Music theory and composition  Finance  Atmospheric sciences  Biomedical engineering  Civil engineering  Environmental engineering  Health behavior science  Applied nutrition  Dietetics  Health studies  Occupational therapy  Medical technology  ANY EDUCATION DEGREE

 “Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write.”

 The course is split into 5 different areas of statistics and probability 1. Exploring data › Looking at sets of data and displaying them graphically and describing them using statistical methods. 2. Comparing data › Looking at two sets of data and mathematically analyzing if there is a relationship between the sets.

3. Collecting Data › Designing experiments and surveys to collect data in a way that is meaningful for statistical analysis. 4. Probability › Explore uncertainty and randomness to determine the likelihood of the occurrence of different events.

5. Introduction to Statistical Inference › Use samples of data and use mathematical methods to infer the trend for an entire population. › This is the essence of statistics, but takes all of the material discussed in the class to build up to this point where we can take a survey or experiment and then try to predict with some accuracy how the results relates to the whole population.

 All students are expected to explain their thinking & justify their conclusions  All students should respectfully challenge each other’s thinking  All students should take initiative to explain another student’s thinking, including respectfully suggesting how they may have made an error.  Students who “get it” more quickly are expected to take responsibility for assisting others who are struggling.

 70% Product – 450 points (69.2%) › 3 exams per marking period for 100 points each › 2 statistical application assignments for 75 points each  30% Process – 200 points (30.8%) › HW – 9 assignments for 20 points each › Classwork & participation – 20 points

 Assigned weekly on the first day of each week and due on Friday of each week.  9 homework assignments each marking period.  Every homework assignment will be worth 20 points.  Late work will be accepted one day late for 50% credit. After one day late work will not be accepted. Homework – 200 points

 We will apply concepts learned in class through projects which include data collection and analysis.  There will be 2 projects each marking period worth 75 points each.  Each project will be graded using a rubric that will be given out with each project description.

 There will be 3 exams each marking period worth 100 points each.  Exams will focus on the current unit of study, but may include prerequisite knowledge from previous units of study.

 Out of all the math courses you have taken, statistics prepares students most for life outside of school.  You will be able to read studies, advertisements, and survey results from a different perspective and be able to make sound decisions.  Work together, support each other, and let’s make this a fun year!

 Cows with names produce 68 more gallons of milk…

Udder nonsense? Scientists think not. After studying the working relationships between farmers and dairy cows, researchers at Newcastle University in the UK found that farmers who gave Bessie and Gertrude TLC reaped benefits of increased milk yield over a 10-month period. On average, a cow produces about 1,981 gallons of milk during this time span, but by referring to their cattle by name, farmers saw a spike in milk production. Scientists believe that personal attention improves cows’ comfort levels lessening their fear of human contact. This just goes to show that even cattle don’t like being herded.