Advanced Placement Statistics will cover the syllabus for the AP Statistics exam offered in May.  The broad conceptual themes of the course are:

* Exploring Data                        Observing patterns and departures from patterns
* Planning a Study                      Deciding what and how to measure
* Anticipating Patterns                Producing models using probability & simulation
* Statistical Inference                  Confirming Models

Statistics is not simply mathematics.  It takes time to get comfortable with thinking about how likely something is rather than precisely what it is.  Learning how to ask good questions of your data, and get good answers out, is a big part of this course.

This course is approximately equivalent to a one-semester college course at a university.  AP credit, when earned, is usually for one semester.

TEXTBOOK

Our textbook is The Practice of Statistics by Yates, Moore, and McCabe.  We will also study the video series, Decisions through Data.

CALCULATOR

You will need a graphing calculator with good statistical functions on a daily basis.  The TI-83+ is the calculator I will be using for explanations and demonstrations.  If you have a different calculator you are responsible for learning the appropriate operations. It is very important you have your own calculator since YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BORROW CLASSMATES' CALCULATORS DURING QUIZZES AND TESTS.

OTHER MATERIALS

You will need graph paper, pencils(no pens!), and a 3-ring binder with dividers.  You should keep your binder  in order with sections for classwork notes/activities, vocabulary, homework, and quizzes. You will need a second binder to keep all AP Test review work in.  A graph link is a very useful and time-saving tool.  While you will have access to the link on my computer and those set up in the school's labs, it is handy to have a link at home for homework.  (The link can be purchased from Office Depot for around $20).

CLASS PROCEDURES

Students will learn from lectures, individual and group work (involving hands-on data gathering and analysis), calculator and computer work (allowing a deeper focus on concepts), and special problems and project work.

The following is not allowed in the classroom: food, cd/cassette players, pagers, and cell phones.

Be on time to class, in your seat, and ready to go over your homework.

Be respectful, polite, and courteous to each other. No put-downs.  Be responsible for your own learning and the learning of  the group.  Work together as much as possible (except for when specifically prohibited, as on exams and quizzes).

GRADES

Nine week grades will be determined as follows:
 

Chapter Tests (3-4)                                65%

Other                                                      35%
    Quizzes (5-6)
    Projects/Special Problems (@2)
    Homework (Randomly Graded)
    AP Stat Exam Questions

There will be a homework assignment due virtually every day.  I will hand out an assignment sheet for each chapter so you know what schedule to expect.  The only way to learn statistics is by doing it, so do every assignment.  Ask lots of questions. Form study groups.  Come meet with me (Tutoring times: 1:45 P.M. to 4:15 P.M. daily, by appointment).

Make-up tests must be taken in Room 3304 on Wednesday or Friday during Activity period, or on Wednesday from 2:45 P.M. to 3:45 P.M.

CHEATING

Please review FHS' cheating policy in your student handbook.  All tests and projects for this class are considered "major".  Please note the consequences for cheating on a major test/assignment: dismissal from the class and assignment to study hall, suspension from school, and loss of honor graduation status.