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EDSC 011, Spring 2011

Lesson Topic: Statistics and Probability using the iclicker                

Vermont State Standard:

a.     Standard 7.9: Data, Statistics, and Probability Concepts

b.    NECAP M(DSP)–10–1 Interprets a given representation(s) (e.g., box-and-whisker plots, scatter plots, bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs, histograms, frequency charts) to make observations, to answer questions, to analyze the data to formulate or justify conclusions, critique conclusions, make predictions, or to solve problems within mathematics or across disciplines or contexts (e.g., media, workplace, social and environmental situations).

c.     MHS: 27 For a probability event chooses an appropriate probability model/simulations and uses it to estimate a theoretical probability for a chance event and uses the concept of a probability distribution to determine whether an event is rare or reasonably likely.

d.     MHS: 28 In response to a question, designs investigations, considers how data-collection methods affect the nature of the data set (i.e., sample size, bias, randomization, control group), collects data using observations, surveys and experiments, purposes and justifies conclusions and predictions based on the data.

Learning Objectives, including enduring understanding:

a.     By the end of the lesson, the students will understand the definition of probability, be able to observe trials and predict the outcomes.

b.     Using the Iclickers, the students will be able to participate and create their own trials, we will then be able to examine the data in a bar graph diagram, this allows for active participation and real-life use.

c.     Students will be interested in giving their own opinions for each trial, and since the iclicker answers can be anonymous, we can eliminate bias.

d.     Students will be able to understand the difference between independent and dependent studies using their own results.

Instructional Procedures:

a.     Each student will be given an iclicker and a sheet with a generic set of questions.

b.     A question will be projected onto a screen and students will have 2 minutes to click in (their final click is the final answer chosen)

c.     The results will be projected when time is up.  Using the results, I’ll ask for certain probabilities using different rules such as the addition rule or multiplication rule.  This combines different answers and requires full participation. 

d.     The students will then use their results from different questions and responses to create different sampling distributions, bar graphs, and frequency tables.