Statistics Unit - Week 1 (9/10 - 9/14)

Post date: Sep 14, 2012 4:27:21 PM

Session 1

· The dangers of DHMO: A case study in critical thinking - In this case study, we will explore a potentially dangerous chemical compound, DHMO. From 2005-2009, there were an average of 3,533 deaths annually in the United States — about ten deaths per day due to DHMO inhalation. About one in five people who die from DHMO exposure are children 14 and younger. Once we look at some of the dangers of DHMO, I will have you respond to a few questions (also posted on Edmodo) during our in-class discussion. (30 minutes) [Formative assessment]

· Pre-assessment: Scientific method and experimental design. This assessment also includes problems with significant figures and scientific notation (20 minutes) ) [Formative assessment]

· Homework: Pre-assessment: Statistical analysis of data in science. What is standard deviation? What do error bars tell us? How do I use the t-test to analyze data? How do I know if the difference between two sets of data is statistically significant? (40 minutes) [Formative assessment]

· Introduction to M&Ms Lab. This is a statistical analysis lab, in which we will explore the many variations in M&Ms. Specifically we will be investigating to see if there is statistically significant variation between Milk Chocolate M&Ms (the classic ones) and special M&Ms (either peanut or peanut butter M&Ms). We will be performing a variety of tests including calculating the density, estimating fat content, paper chromatography to separate dyes, and estimating the thickness of the candy shell. We will analyze the data we have collected using t-test (such as comparing the densities) and chi-squared test (for comparing color distributions in the M&Ms). (10 minutes - lab will continue for 2 weeks)

Session 2

· Review scientific method and experimental design pre-assessment. Review selection of variables in an experiment. Key terms: Independent variable, dependent variable, control, constants, repeated trials, hypothesis (if-then format), significant figures, certain vs uncertain digits in measurements, precision vs. accuracy. (30 minutes)

· Types of data presentation/discussion: Qualitative vs. quantitative data. (15 minutes)

· Begin collecting qualitative data for statistical analysis lab: Variation in M&Ms candy . Using our 5 senses to make initial observations about the candy. Similarities and differences.(20 minutes)

Session 3

· Review scientific notation and significant figures rules. Rules to determine the number of significant figures. Pay special attention to rules for zeroes as they can be significant or not depending on their position. Significant vs. important numbers. Significant vs. certain numbers. Mathematical operations with significant figures: rules for adding/subtracting and for multiplying/dividing. (30 minutes)

· How to do mean and standard deviation calculations in Excel – modeling. (20 minutes)

· Begin collecting quantitative data for statistical analysis lab: Variation in M&Ms candy (15 minutes)