Park City Mathematics Institute Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability Project Abstracts Drafts of Project Files (password required)

Modeling Linear Relationships

Ginny Burton, Lars Nordfelt, Amanda Wallace, Jeff Willets

The objective of this project is for students to explore scatter plots and lines of best-fit both by creating them by hand and by using computer software (Fathom). Students will need to find linear data, either through sources or by experimentation. They will then create a scatter plot and line of best fit by hand. After that, they will use Fathom to create the scatter plot and the line of best-fit. Throughout the activity, they will be answering questions related to the data, and they will conclude by writing a summative paper based on this project. This project is designed for students in an Algebra I course and should take approximately three days.

Are Polls Gobbledygook?

Warren Block, Judi Carlin, Alice Elstien

When you read polling results do you believe them? Should you? This eight-day project makes use of varied student grouping to prompt effective interactions for self-assessment. Students begin by brainstorming the meaning of polls, then read their textbooks and other articles about polls in history, presenting summary posters to the class. Students next set up Fathom statistical software by reading technical directions for the program (or another statistical program designed to explore the mean when you vary your inputs randomly). They will then design a survey demonstrating an understanding of simple random samples, voluntary response sample, bias, both non response and undercoverage, and conduct that survey. The project concludes with students comparing results from Fathom generated data and actual data to make predictions and conjectures. Rubrics are included.

Data Project

Judy Ruehl

The goal of this Power Point presentation on Fathom is to excite teachers to the power and capabilities of the Fathom program. This will be only an introduction to the potential of Fathom. The presentation shows how data can be formed into graphs (dots, bars, box and whiskers), how conjectures can be requested, how best lines can be used, how to explore functions, how the random function can be used, and how probability can be introduced.

The next portion of the workshop will allow teachers to try out Fathom.

Back to Data, Stat and Prob Index