1. STATISTICS
A Curiosity Factor

2. ~ "Hands-On Astrophysics" web site
STATISTICS
Statistics (and numbers in general) can be manufactured to make any idea sound convincing. When used properly, statistics is a powerful tool for uncovering truth; when used improperly, it can be manipulated to prove almost anything.
~ "Hands-On Astrophysics" web site

3. STATISTICS
We are bombarded with statistics every day of our lives. Understanding this subject will allow us to make informed judgments about the statistics presented by others to persuade us. For this project, you will learn how data is collected by organizations like the Gallop Organization. You will take what you have learned to examine other types of data, translate it into various graphing formats, gather some of your own data and finally, you will use your findings to predict future trends.

4. CALENDAR

5. CALENDAR

6. STEP ONE * SOURCES OF BIAS
How can numbers be used or abused, and how is data collected by organizations like the Gallop Poll Organization? Read the two articles to the right. Use the following handout to help you get the most information out of the articles. In the "Sources of Bias" article, choose one of the " *Sampling Bias" activities, answer the questions and complete the remaining activity. We will use Poll Everywhere during class.
HOW POLLS ARE CONDUCTED
NUMBERS UP
* SOURCES OF BIAS

7. STEP TWO
As a class, you will take a look at how the Gallop Organization uses polls to predict trends and inform the public. Click on the links to the right and watch the 3 videos (about 2 mins. each). After watching the brief video, consider the following questions: What was your opinion after viewing each of these informational videos? Did the video information alter your previous opinions? Use the class wiki to post your responses.
Snuppy the Clone
Honesty & Ethics
55% of Americans Find Answers in Religion

8. STEP THREE Take one of the following surveys: 1.) Spam Survey
2.) Internet Religion Survey
3.) Online Intellectual Property Survey
After completion, read through the "latest survey results“
page for your topic.
1.) Latest Spam Survey Results
2.) Internet Religious Survey Results
3.) Online Intellectual Property Survey Results
Using the following web site (CREATE A GRAPH), choose one
category of the latest survey results and show as a bar graph
and a pie graph. Make sure I see this before you continue.

9. STEP FOUR
For this assignment you will create a survey on a topic of your choice. To prepare for this assignment, read Designing Surveys page. Create a question (refer to the assignment benchmark sheet) for your survey. Twenty-five different people should complete your survey. Try to involve people from a variety of age groups and settings.
Display your data in at least two different graphing formats (bar, pie, histogram etc.). Use Bar or Pie graphing site or another of your choice). Save this information to include in your final presentation.

10. STEP FIVE Prepare a presentation for your class of your
data findings. You will be providing your
audience with a short overview of your findings.
Remember: your statements are based on your
survey findings, not your opinion.
Your presentation:
Will be 5 minutes in length.
Be communicated clearly and concisely .
Employ the interest of your audience.
Use PowerPoint for your presentation.
Include Flip video if so desired.

11. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Statistics.com A comprehensive site to go when
you need data sources.
World Fact Book
An invaluable publication that provides
the essential elements of basic
intelligence on all areas of the world.

12. Rubric
Rubric