Module 8: Math in Science Part I

Part I: Introduction to Statistics 

Instructor: Kody Holmes 
Common Core Mathematics: 74-79, 88-89, 250-252, 270-272, 274-280 & 292-305
Common Core Science: 71 & 240 (pg. 240 covered in class)

Learning Objectives 
• Understand how to form a theoretical probability and how one might test the validity of these probabilities. 
• Understand the importance of sample size when testing a probability or performing an experiment. 
• Understand the meaning behind both uniform and normal distributions.

How this Module Will Work
Please begin by watching the linked video. Be sure to take notes. I would highly encourage you to imagine your own applications for these concepts. These might be worth discussing in class. Math is an inherently creative venture, and it’s really too bad that most students don’t get to experience all the creativity math requires until 300-400 level college math courses. Let’s try to take advantage of opportunities for creativity when they arise.

After watching the video, please review the vocabulary listed below. After reviewing vocabulary, follow the quiz link below. Be sure to complete this chapter quiz before moving on to the next chapter. If you are not familiar with measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), I would strongly encourage you to read the 4th, optional chapter in this digital textbook before moving on to chapters 2 & 3. This optional chapter is not available in text form, so it is instead attached here: 

Intro_to_Statistics.pdf

 Alternatively, you can read pages 270-272 in your Common Core Mathematics textbook. If you already understand these concepts, your time will be better spent elsewhere.

This may seem tedious, but all this work is going to allow for a productive and challenging classroom experience where we can play with advanced concepts and extend them as far as your creativity allows. Thank you for taking the time. I hope to make it well worth it.

Vocabulary 
Probability: A number between 0 and 1, representative of the frequency of success per trial.
Uniform Distribution: A flat distribution, where every result in a given range is equally likely (has the same probability).
Normal Distribution: A distribution with a steep peak near its center. This means results near its peak are much more likely to occur. The steepest point of this peak is the mode, but is close to the mean as well. Remember to spend some time thinking about things in life that might be well represented by the normal distribution.

Quiz Link
Click here to take quiz.. 

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