AP STATISTICS                Pleasantville High School

(1 year - 1 credit)                 Mr. Pernerstorfer

This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data.  Four broad themes are stressed:

1.    Exploring data: observing patterns and departures from patterns

2.    Planning a study: deciding what to measure and how to measure it

3.    Anticipating patterns: producing models using probability and simulations

4. Statistical Inference: confirming data models

The AP Statistics course, as designed by the College Board, is considered equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus based, college course in statistics.  The course is for students who possess sufficient mathematical maturity and quantitative reasoning ability.

This course is open to any student but it is recommended that a student have at least an 80% average in precalculus or permission from the Math Department Chairman.

Materials to be used:

            Text:  Stats: Modeling the World 2004 by Bock, Velleman and DeVeaux  ($85)

Review Workbook:  Preparing for the Statistics AP Exam with Stats: Modeling The     World (Pearson Addison-Wesley 2004)

            Calculator: TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator *

            Film Series: Against All Odds (The Annenberg Collection 1989) 26 films       

Important components of the course will include the use of technology, laboratories, activities and cooperative learning with an emphasis on data and concepts at the expense of less theory and fewer recipes.  This course will also stress the importance of writing and clearly communicating statistical ideas.  This approach will give you ample opportunity to think through problems, make decisions, and share questions and conclusions with each other as well as with your teacher.

Expectations:

1.       Students will come to class on time.   Class will begin at the bell.

2.      Bring to class daily: TI-83 Graphing Calculator, pen/pencil, notebook, and text.

3.      Homework is due on time.  Late homework is not acceptable.  If students are absent for one day, they may turn in the assignment one day late.  Expect to spend a minimum of 30 minutes outside of class to complete assignments for this class.

4.      This class moves at a fast pace.  Students are expected to spend time outside of class studying daily in order to keep up with the lessons and retain information.

*The TI-86 or TI-89 may also be used but the student is responsible for learning the keystrokes.  You need to go to the Texas Instruments website and download the statistics program for the 86.

5.      When absent, it is the student's responsibility to see me to get all missed assignments, etc.  No one else should do this for you - be sure to take responsibility for this.

6.      If students are absent on the day of a test, they will take the test on the day they return to school unless they have had an extended absence.

The AP Exam is scheduled for the beginning of May.  All students enrolled in the course are expected to take the exam. The AP designation will be taken away in case the student does not take the exam.  The AP Statistics exam is 3 hours long and consists of a multiple-choice section, a free response section and an investigative task to perform.  The multiple choice and written part of the exam are given equal weight. 

Grading:

Homework: 15% of your quarter mark will be for homework and class labs.  This may consist of daily assignments, short written projects, collected homework, etc.

Tests/Quizzes: 85% of the quarter mark will be based on quiz and test scores.

Midterm and Final will each count as 15% of your yearly average as detailed in the PHS Student Handbook. Participation and attendance are an integral part of this course and will be taken into consideration when calculating all grades.

Extra Help: 

Extra Help will be available only during activity period.  Please make arrangements ahead of time with Mr. Pernerstorfer.

As you work your way through this course you will gain confidence in reading about statistical studies as well as be able to perform simple data collection, presentation and inference.  Unlike most math courses which you have taken, there is usually no 100% correct answer to most problems.  You will be asked to explain your work in English so that the average person can understand it.  It's also important that you have fun doing it.  I hope to make this course fun, challenging, interesting and rewarding.  I know that you will be very successful if you are focused and do your part.  Good Luck!

In anticipation of a rewarding and exciting year,

Mr. Pernerstorfer