MATH-317 Probability and Statistics for Elementary and Middle School Programs
Spring 2006 Section 1 Eric Kuennen 4 credits
Instructor: Dr. Eric Kuennen
Email: kuennene<at>uwosh.edu
Office: 201 Swart Hall
Web: http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/kuennene/
Phone: 424-1017
Class Time/Place: M, T, W, F: 1:50-2:50 in Swart Hall 203
Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 12:40-1:40 ; Tues, Thurs 9:10-11:20
Feel free to stop in or make an appointment for any other time.
Course Page: https://uwosh.courses.wisconsin.edu/ (D2L)
Pre-requisites
Math-104 (College Algebra or Equivalent), Math-211 (Geometry and Measurement) and Math-217 (Data Exploration and Analysis), each with a grade of C or better.
Objectives
In this course we will study three important categories of mathematical thinking:
- Probability
- Combinatorics (counting techniques)
- Statistics, both descriptive and inferential
We will examine problems and ideas from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and from upper elementary and middle school curriculum materials that help foster probability and statistical thinking in children. We will also study the historical development of probability and statisitcs.
Textbooks
Big Ideas in Mathematics for Future Middle Grades Teachers: Big Ideas in Probability and Statistics by Jennifer Szydlik and John Beam. This packet is available for purchase at the University Bookstore.
Math Through the Ages: A Gentle History for Teachers and Others by Berlinghoff and Gouvea. You can buy this book in paperback for $19.99 online (at Amazon.com, for example) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1881929213/ref=lpr_g_1/103-5755477-4088642?v=glance&s=books
Course Outline
Conceptual Foundations (~5 weeks). Data and Correlation, Frequency, Measures of Center and Variation, Probability, Independent and Dependent Events
- Counting (~4 weeks). Permuations and Combinations, Confidence Intervals
- Inference (~5 weeks): Inference, Bayesian Inference, Hypothesis Testing
Instructional Format:
The ideas of this course will be introduced through interesting hands-on activities and problems. Class time will be spent working on those problems in cooperative small groups and discussing strategies and solutions as a class. Sometimes you will be asked to write up those ideas and solutions for me as homework. You are expected to participate fully in the class activities and to share your ideas with the class. You will be responsible for completing readings, working homework sets, and working on your group projects outside of class.
Expectations/attendance
You are expected to attend every class session, to read the text and reading assignments, and work on problems outside of class on a regular basis. It is very important that you are in class to participate in the problems and contribute to the class discussion. If you must miss a class session, I expect you to notify me in advance. If you are absent from class, you are responsible for the material covered. Arrange to copy another student's notes and be informed of any announcements made during class. Quizzes, graded group work or other in-class assignments may not be made up if you are absent from class.
Assessment
We will have two in-class exams: Friday March 10 and Friday May 12. Each exam is worth 20% of your course grade. Coverage will be announced in class prior to the exam. Except for illness documented with a written medical report or extreme emergencies with prior or timely notification, there are no provisions for taking exams at any but these regularly scheduled times.
Written work (homework problem sets, in-class quizzes) will comprise 30% of your grade in the course.
You will complete a three group projects, each worth 10% of your grade. One project will be on Statistics, another on Probability, and a third on History. The history group project will include an in-class presentation.
To calculate your grade at any point in the term, use the following scale.
I reserve the right to lower these percentages, but they will not be raised.
A 90-100 B 80-85 C 70-75 D 60-65
AB 86-89 BC 76-79 CD 66-69 F 0-59
Grades are based on performance, not need. No “extra” credit will be offered.
Incompletes
According to the Student Bulletin, an Incomplete grade can be assigned only when a student is unable to complete the course work because of illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control.
Dropping
According to the Student Bulletin, the primary responsibility of dropping a class resides with the student. February 10th is the last day to drop with a full refund. March 20th is the last day to withdraw from the course. A student wanting to drop a course after that deadline may appeal with a REQUEST FOR LATE DROP FORM describing relevant extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control.
Academic Misconduct: Any form of academic misconduct including cheating on a quiz or exam, or in any way seeking to claim credit for the work or efforts of another person will be dealt with in accordance with system policy UWS 14, as referred to in the UW Oshkosh Student Discipline code. (http://www.tts.uwosh.edu/dean/studentdisciplinecode.html )
Penalties that may be imposed include a failing grade for the course, disciplinary probation, and expulsion from the university.
Hints
- You are encouraged to work in groups on your homework. Being able to communicate mathematically with others is a great way to understand mathematics.
- Don't wait until you have fallen behind to seek help from me. This course will contain new and difficult ideas and it is always worthwhile to discuss homework or issues you have with the course with me. I interpret such consultation as a sign of strength and interest.
- Merely showing up and completing the course is not sufficient to pass my classes; you must demonstrate on your exams that you have gained a basic understanding of the material.