Teacher: Carole Matheny

Email: carolemath@atlanticbb.net (Note: Until July 25th I will have very limited access to the internet. While it might take me a few days to respond to your email I will answer respond as soon as possible to your questions.)

Required Text:

• The Practice of Statistics, Yates, Daniel S., Moore, David S., and Starnes, Daren S. (2003) Second Edition. New York: W.H. Freeman and Co. ISBN 0716747731.
• 5 Steps to a 5, AP Statistics, Hinders, Duane C. (2004). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-141278-6

Technical Requirements:

• Computer, internet access, e-mail capability
• Scanner to send handwritten material via e-mail attachments as PDF files
• Graphing calculator – TI 89 or TI-83 or TI-84 suggested (available used on ebay and discounted on other sites) <.i>Microsoft Word or a compatible program.>

Who Should Apply: This class is open to home schooled students in 9th through 12th grade and who have successfully completed Algebra 2. The course does not depend heavily on mathematics but rather, you are asked to explore and explain concepts with the help of hands-on investigations while technology lowers the drudgery of computation.

For students not headed for math- and science-related majors, statistics is a useful and practical topic in today's society and some argue that these students are better served by taking statistics than pre-calculus.

AP Statistics is a great option for students headed to a math or science related major, and are looking for another math course before graduation. Students who have completed Algebra II may wish to take statistics before or in place of taking calculus,

All students should be prepared for a college-level course and be dedicated to completing assignments on time to enhance the interactive component of the course.

The class is meant for those who fully intend to take the AP Statistics Exam. A student’s performance on this exam is the most valid measure of a student’s mastery of the course material.

Class description: AP Statistics is a college level introductory course in statistics in which students will learn how to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data. Statistics is the most widely applicable branch of mathematics and is used by more people than any other kind of math. . We will frequently work on projects involving the hands-on gathering and analysis of real world data. The ideas and computations presented in this course have immediate links and connections with actual events.

Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:

1. Exploring Data. Students collect and examine data and display the patterns that emerge. Data from students in class as well as real world data sets are gathered and used to illustrate concepts.
2. Producing Models Using Probability and Simulation. Students learn to anticipate patterns and produce models for prediction. Students use simulations to model situations that are not practical to replicate using other methods.
3. Experimental Design. Students design appropriate experiments in order to draw conclusions that can be generalized to the population of interest. Students will also interpret studies and experiments to determine whether the conclusions from the studies warrant consideration.
4. Statistical Inference Students learn what can be generalized about the population. Students also consider how to investigate research questions, design a study, and interpret the results.

Computers and calculators are an essential part of statistics and allow students to focus deeply on the concepts involved in statistics. As such we will be utilizing them throughout the course.

This class will probably demand at least an hour per day of concentrated effort. Each assignment will build on previous assignments, so success will depend on your daily response to the challenge.

Class fees: $425 plus the costs of texts, software and calculator

Registration: Please email me carolemath@atlanticbb.net

The class will start on September 2, 2008.

Instructor Qualifications: I earned a BS and MS in Ceramic Engineering from The Ohio State University, and an MBA from Clark University in Worcester, MA. Before homeschoolingI worked full-time for twenty years as a Research Engineer in Research & Development and as a Manager of Engineering in manufacturing. In addition I hold five US Patents. During these years, I found statistical methods to be a very valuable tool and an intricate part of my work life. While in Worcester, MA, I was an adjunct professor for several years teaching Statistics and Production & Operations Management at both Assumption College and Anna Maria College in their evening programs. For the past nine years I have been a home schooling mom to my two sons, ages 16 and 12. I look forward, with excitement, to joining the PA Homeschoolers On-Line AP Statistics Course and working with new students.