AP Statistics
Description
AP Statistics Course Overview
The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.
There are four themes in the AP Statistics course:
- Exploring data
- Sampling and experimentation
- Anticipating patterns
- Statistical inference
Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.
Goals of AP Statistics
Students who are enrolled in AP Statistics are expected to
• Describe patterns and departures from patterns;
• Plan and conduct a study;
• Explore random phenomena using probability and simulation; and
• Estimate population parameters and test hypotheses.
Topic Outline for AP Statistics
I. Exploring Data
• Exploring bivariate and categorical data
• Summarizing and comparing distributions of univariate data
• Exploring bivariate and categorical data
II. Sampling and Experimentation
• Planning and conducting surveys and experiments using appropriate methods of data collection
• Generalizability of results and types of conclusions that can be drawn from observational studies, experiments, and surveys
III. Anticipating Patterns
• Combining independent random variables
• The normal distribution
• Sampling distributions
IV. Statistical Inference
•Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
• Tests of significance
Prerequisites: Students must have taken second-year algebra before enrolling in AP Statistics.
Use of Graphing Calculators and Computers
Professional mathematics organizations have strongly endorsed the use of calculators in mathematics instruction and testing. The use of a graphing calculator in AP Statistics is considered an integral part of the course. In addition, students and teachers require easy access to computers to facilitate the teaching and learning of statistics. Melamed Academy provides computer-based lessons, interactive tools, and digital manipulatives as learning aids for statistics study.
