Bringing
Statistics Alive
This
statistics unit eliminates some of the monotony
of statistics by integrating interactive technology
as well as using statistics from real-life situations
instead of randomly generated data. After introducing
each measure of central tendency, the students
visit the regentsprep.org
website to complete questions relating to the
current topic. The regentsprep.org
practice pages provide detailed explanations and
answers to the students as they complete their
work. To bring the unit to a close, the students
visit a "math scavenger hunt" webpage
to complete the statistics scavenger hunt. These
scavenger hunts have them compute the measures
of central tendency for real-world data and then
make an interpretation of the data. For example,
the students visit a baseball statistics archive
to compute the measures of central tendency for
both Babe Ruth and Sammy Sosa and use their statistics
to make a conclusion on who they feel was the
greater player. They must also display this data
visually as a way to interpret the data even further.
Next, students analyze Alex Rodriquez's salary
for the New York Yankees and make some interpretations
of these numbers as well.
Subject
Area
Mathematics
Grade Levels
9 -10
Objectives
Students
will:
-
Compute mean median and mode;
-
compare mean median and mode in a real-world
application to identify their practical uses;
-
apply mean median and mode to real-world statistical
data;
-
organize data into frequency histograms, and
stem and leaf plots;
-
organize real world information into histogram
or stem and leaf plot.
Internet
Used
The Internet is used to reinforce concepts learned
in class by bringing the numbers alive. Using
real data attaches meaning to the computations
and encourage students to make their own interpretations.
One of the main goals of statistics is to have
students think for themselves and develop an interest
in math beyond the classroom.
Materials Used
Computers with Internet access are required.
Standards
Addressed
Students understand and become mathematically
confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically,
by applying math in real world settings, and by
solving problems through the study of statisitics
and data analysis.
Assessment
Student learning is measured by an exam at the
end of the unit as well as grading the activity
sheets.
Students Involved
The students in the regular education classroom
have just entered their course one year of mathematics.
This unit can be used in a enriched or accelerated
classroom as well.
Teacher Tips
Adapt the unit to your needs and find even more
exciting data to be analyzed online!
Overall
Value
Teachers will want to adapt this unit because
it is simple and takes very little preparation
time. The activity sheets are included and the
only materials necessary are computers with Internet
access. This unit contributes to student learning
by attaching meaning to math by using numbers
that represent something they see in their everyday
lives.
|
