AP Statistics
Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement
Statistics is a discipline that is used in all other topics of study. Students who are interested in anything from psychology to business to science will find the need to know basic statistics. Beginning Statistics courses are required for most majors in college. Knowledge of basic statistics is necessary for all people in order to be productive workers and informed consumers in society. Statistics is the science of collecting, classifying, and analyzing data.
The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
- Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns.
- Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study.
- Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation.
- Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.
Students who successfully complete the course and pass the AP exam may receive college credit, advanced placement or both for a one-semester introductory college statistics course.
- 1.0 Credit
- Grades 10, 11, 12
- Fees: $94 for AP test
- Prerequisites: Secondary Math 3, Pre-Calculus or CE Math 1050/1060
- Homework: 5-6 Hours per Week
- Degree of Difficulty: 5
- Credit Type: M, ME, NCAA
Course Highlights We do several classroom activities to explore statistical concepts. Some activities include M&M’s, Tossing tic tac’s, paper helicopters, etc. We also do FRAPPY’s (Free Response AP Practice Yeah!) to help prepare students for the AP Exam in May.
Learning Expectations
The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
- Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns.
- Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study.
- Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation.
- Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.
Grading Procedure: All assignments/tests/quizzes/activities will be given a point value. Grades will be broken down into the following categories; the percent shows the weight the category has on the final grade.
- Tests/Projects 60 %: There are tests after each Unit. There is at least one final project and other projects maybe one per term. You are expected to take the AP Exam in May.
- Homework 15%: Given Daily. Consists of practice problems from the textbook, and reviews. These assignments are stamped for completion and are turned in as a packet on the day of the unit test.
- Quizzes 15%: Homework quizzes are on the concepts studied in class. Lowest two scores are dropped.
- Participation 10%: Every student begins with full participation points. Being late for class, not turning homework in on time, and any behavior problems students will lose points.
Grading Scale:
A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D+ | D | D- | F |
100 to 93 | 92 to 90 | 89 to 87 | 86 to 83 | 82 to 80 | 79 to 77 | 76 to 73 | 72 to 70 | 69 to 67 | 66 to 63 | 62 to 60 | Below 60 |
Assessment of Progress
Students are assessed with section quizzes and chapter tests. Quizzes are given frequently. Each term there are 4 or 3 tests after each chapter. I also use FRAPPY’s as a formative assessment tool.
Tentatively we will cover Chapters 1-4 Term 1, Chapters 5-7 for Term 2, Chapters 8-11 for Term 3, and Chapter 12, AP Exam and Final project during Term 4.
Course Materials
Textbook: The Practice of Statistics, 5th edition
Supplemental Materials: Test Preparation manuals available
Supplies:
- Graphing Calculator (Required): TI-84, TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Silver Edition, TI-84 CE. or TI-Nspire
- 2 Notebooks one for Notes the other for Homework
- Pencils, lots of Pencils
Classroom Procedures
I will follow the Provo School District Attendance Policy. http://provohigh.provo.edu/policies/attendance-procedure/
It is expected students be on-time and in class. The number of tardies does affect their participation part of their grade.
Student Progress: The student’s progress and current grade is available through Powerschool. You can expect this report to be updated after each chapter test.
Make up/Late Work: Students are expected to attend class every day. In the unfortunate event a student is unable to attend THE STUDENT is responsible for finding out and acquiring the class work that was missed. Assignments are turned in as a packet on the day of the test, if absent that day, they need to turn the packet in before or the next class after. If you missed a test, a time will need to be arranged to take it before school during intervention time.
Late work is accepted with loss of participation points and will not receive full credit for late work. Grading late work or make up work is not a priority and will get done before the end of the term.
Students will have the opportunity to make up any test due to absence or failing score. Make up tests have to be completed within two weeks, and the student must be prepared because there is only one make up test. After the first semester I don’t allow retake tests.
Student Expectations: The following is expected from students:
- BE PREPARED: Students need to bring pencils, notebook or binder paper, graphing calculator, and textbook to class each day. The previous assignment should be completed and ready to go over.
- DO YOUR BEST: Be prepared to give your all to the task at hand. Participate fully in class activities and discussions. Remember to ask questions.
- RESPECT OTHERS: Respect will be given to others property, agency, and ideas. Treat others as you would wish to be treated.
- OBEY SCHOOL RULES: All school rules regarding attendance, behavior, dress code, etc. will be enforced.
Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments
Tentative Due Dates and Test dates
Term 1:
- Chapter 1 Test end of August
- Chapter 2 Test in September
- Chapter 3 Test end of September or beginning of October
- Chapter 4 Test before October 18th end of term 1
Term 2
- Response Bias project due after Fall Break
- Chapter 5 Test in November
- Chapter 6 Test in December
- Chapter 7 Test in December or January
Term 3
- Chapter 8 Test in January
- Chapter 9 Test in January/February
- Chapter 10 Test end of February
- Chapter 11 Test before March 16th end of term 3
Term 4
- Chapter 12 Test end of March before spring break
- AP Exam Thursday, May 17th, 2018
- Final Project Due: May 16th and May 18th
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Student Progress: The student’s progress and current grade is available through Powerschool. You can expect this report to be updated after each chapter test.
AP Exam Score: Scores are usually released sometime near the first week of July.
Connecting Home to School
Extra Help: Statistics can be challenging. I will do all I can to help the student succeed. Help is available during intervention in class time, also before school time 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM Monday through Friday. There is also tutoring available after school in the library. My time is limited after school, but I can help if available.
There are some AP Study Sessions that occur outside of class time during lunch, or scheduled on Saturday mornings to help students prepare for the AP Exam.
Contact: Contact through e-mail is best.
Teacher: Mr. Olsen Room: A1-6 Phone: 373-6550 ext 3336
E-mail: michaelo@provo.edu
Personal Statement and other items (optional)
This course is different than other types of math classes. It requires a lot of diligent study and actually reading the textbook. I expect a lot from my Advance Placement students. Every year I see students that cannot handle the workload or the material and will drop out. I hope that I can help you so that you can finish the course and take the AP exam and pass.