ccdsjr.gif (3090 bytes)Charlotte Country Day School

AP Statistics

Home AP Stat Assignments AP Stat Resources Project Inference IB Studies AP Stat Syllabus AP Stat Exam Grades

2006-2007 AP Statistics Course Guidelines

Ms. McGrail         943-4633 (school)           334-2825 (home, before 9 p.m. please)

Statistics is a broad-based study of all data. Needless to say, the study of all data is a daunting task. AP Statistics is built around four main topics: exploring data, planning a study, probability as it relates to distribution of data, and inferential reasoning. Statistics is a blend of the rigor, calculations, and deductive thinking of mathematics, the real-world examples and problems of the social sciences, the decision-making needs of business and medicine, and the laboratory method and experimental procedures of the sciences. What you learn in this course will help you prosper in the modern world. The course content is dictated by the AP syllabus.

Objectives: to develop students' problem solving skills, to promote both breadth and depth of mathematical understanding as it relates to statistics, to illustrate the utility of statistics, to use technology as a tool to explore statistical relationships, and to perform well on the AP Exam.

Textbook: The Practice of Statistics, Yates, Moore and Starnes. [Some of you may know of Starnes; Daren Starnes taught at CCDS until he left to go to The Webb Schools in California!]

Resources: ActivStats, a CD rom, includes the statistical software package Data Desk, as well as numerous video clips, interactive demonstrations, homework exercises, and a statistical glossary. We will also use a variety of web activities. The link on this page to "AP Stat Resources" might also be of interest.  Make the most of these tools!

Calculator:  TI-83+ or 84+ and graph link

Methods of Assessment and Grading: Your grade in this course will be determined by your performance on tests, quizzes, graded assignments, homework, and semester examination.  The CCDS grading scale is used (see the Upper School Handbook). 

bulletTests/Quizzes

Unit tests are given approximately every  three weeks and are always announced at least a week in advance.  Quizzes are given occasionally, and are usually announced.   Test and quiz scores make up 50% of your quarter grade.

bulletGraded Assignments/Projects

Throughout the year, graded assignments are given which may be projects, problems sets, cumulative reviews, reports from media sources, etc.   Group graded work may be discussed within the group, but the only assistance allowed on individual work is from your instructor.   These assignments are pledged with the honor code.  Point values for each graded assignment will be given when the assignment is made.  A 10% late fee will be applied for each day or fraction thereof that an assignment is late.

Your graded assignment average is .   With standard graded assignments, 10% will be deducted for each day late.   This category makes up 35% of your quarter grade.

bulletDaily Homework

The assignment sheet will be available from my web site. Assignments are designed to take about between 30 and 50 minutes per night.  You will often have both book assignments and long-term assignments to work on simultaneously.  In this course, communication is usually more important than  calculation.   This course is the equivalent of a college level, intro to statistics course.  It may seem quite different from your previous math courses.  If after reading a problem three times you are stuck, then spend a minute writing down what makes the problem difficult (e.g., the diagram, specific words or phrases used, etc.). Mastery of each problem is not expected with the first attempt, but there should be no "blanks" on an assignment. Routine spot-checks of each assignment are made. Daily assignments may be submitted one day late for half-credit. Collaboration with students is encouraged on daily work, but prohibited on graded assignments.  With standard graded assignments, 10% will be deducted for each day late. Daily average (based primarily on homework effort) is considered and entered as a grade twice during the quarter and will constitute 15% of the quarter grade.

Quarter Avg =  (Test/Quiz Avg)*0.5 + (Graded Assignment Avg)*0.35 + (Daily Avg)*0.15

Semester Grade = 0.4*(Qtr 1 Avg) + 0.4*(Qtr 2 Avg) + 0.2*Semester Exam Score

If you have questions, concerns, or need clarification, see me.  Come by the Math Office any morning between 7:30 and 7:50 to have your questions answered.  If that time does not work for you, we will almost always be able to get together within 24 hours of your request.  Come for assistance as soon as you become aware of any difficulties you may have. I look forward to an exciting, rewarding year.