AP
S
Mr. Minns – T
HOMAS
C
OUNTY
C
ENTRAL
H
IGH
S
CHOOL
dminns@tcjackets.net
One of the greatest differences between statistics and other mathematics courses is that statistical instruction takes on a variety of forms. Students in my AP Statistics course often work in groups to gather, analyze, and discuss conclusions drawn from data. Classroom discussion pertaining to statistical topics is encouraged as it is an integral part of developing an understanding of the methodology, practical application, and inferences drawn from the subject.
Teaching materials for this course include a primary textbook, activities, lectures and discussions, readings from other books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, ancillary packets, videos, dynamic software explorations, calculator simulations, and a class website. Students are provided with resources including statistical tables and chapter guides to assist in their studies. Students are expected to have a graphing calculator with statistical capabilities. A limited number of calculators are available for use if the student can not provide one. Statistical software is used to illustrate concepts and Minitab statistical output is used to enhance understanding of statistical results in a variety of forms.
AP Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes, with appropriate emphasis given to each:
Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
AP Statistics draws connections between all aspects of the statistical process, including design, analysis, and conclusions.
AP Statistics teaches students how to communicate methods, results, and interpretations using the vocabulary of statistics. Class discussion is encouraged to develop students’ ability to communicate statistically.
AP Statistics teaches students how to use graphing calculators and demonstrates the use of computers and/or computer output to enhance the development of statistical understanding.

Students who successfully complete the course and exam may receive credit, advanced placement, or both for a one-semester introductory college statistics course.
Yates, Daniel S., Moore, David S., and Starnes, Daren S. The Practice of Statistics , 3rd ed.
Students are responsible for the replacement cost of the book ($90) if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Hinders, Duane C. 5 Steps to a 5: AP Statistics 2010-2011 . NY: McGraw-Hill Co. 2010.
(ISBN - 978-0-07-162188-5)
There are a variety of AP Statistics study materials available, from practice tests to software to flashcards.
Students who are successful on the AP test at the end of the school year usually supplement in-class materials and discussions with these supplementary materials.
The following outline describes this course’s content by unit as well as assignments, assessments, activities, and mini-projects. The schedule is subject to change based on student needs, class interruptions, teacher absences, etc.
(Note – Students are not able to retest in AP courses. Students are expected to be prepared on the day of the test.)
AP Statistics Examination
Students who do not take the AP Statistics Exam at the end of the course will take a comprehensive final exam similar to the AP Exam that will count as 20% of the final grade.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, it is expected that students will be proficient in the following areas:
Statistical Concepts

Describe the four major conceptual themes of statistics: Describing Data, Producing Data,
Anticipating Patterns, and Statistical Inference.
Statistical Skills

Produce convincing oral and written statistical arguments, using appropriate terminology, in a variety of applied settings.

Know when and how to use technology to aid them in solving statistical problems
Statistical Knowledge

Employ techniques for producing data (surveys, experiments, observational studies, simulations), analyzing data (graphical & numerical summaries), modeling data (probability, random variables, sampling distributions), and drawing conclusions from data (inference procedures – confidence intervals and significance tests)
Statistical Habits of mind

Become critical consumers of published statistical results by heightening awareness of ways in which statistics can be improperly used to mislead, confuse, or distort the truth.

AP Statistics is a rigorous college level statistics course. Students are expected to come to class prepared, to keep up with all daily assignments and projects, and continue toward the ultimate goal of earning a passing score on the AP Exam.
Students who miss class time are responsible for reading the material and completing the homework that has been assigned for that day. If you need clarification you must plan on staying after school to ask questions upon your return.
Students should be aware of the tardy policies outlined in their student handbook. Unexcused tardies will result in one assigned after school teacher detention for each tardy. It is important that students be on time to class and be ready to begin when the bell rings.
There is to be no food, candy, or gum consumed or chewed in the classroom.
Tests
Quizzes/Projects
40%
20%
Homework/Daily Work 20%
Benchmark 20%
**Note** Students who DO NOT complete assigned homework DO NOT do well in this class
Students will complete a project each semester which may require independent research and a typed summary. Project dates and topics will be announced later in the school year.
This is a fast paced class that is taught in a manner that requires the student to be self-motivated and diligent. There will be times when it is impossible for me to answer all questions about a particular topic within the 50 minute class period. You must be conscientious and seek out help as soon as it is needed so that you don’t fall behind. I am available for assistance almost every day and will discuss this further in class.

This year we are integrating a way to let parents and students know when projects and important assignments are due. You will be able to receive a text message from our classes if you or your child signs up for remind101.
What is remind101?
Remind101 is a website that provides a safe way for teachers to text message or email students and parents without exchanging personal phone numbers. The service is free but standard messaging rates do apply. If you have an unlimited text plan from your phone carrier than you do not pay anything. The only time you pay is when you have exceeded the maximum amount of
“texting” minutes according to your personal phone plan.
How does remind101 work?
First, we will share a code with students or parents. At that point, any student or parent who sends a text message with the code will be "subscribed" to the class. Any time we send a message from remind101, all the students or parents subscribed will receive it.
How do students/parents sign up?
Students and parents sign up for notifications by sending a text message with our class code
(example: text @code to 555-555-5555).
If you would like to get texts from Mr. Minns’ class: send a text message to: 81010 in the message box write:
@tcchsstats
Press to send or
Email tcchsstats@mail.remind.com
You will receive a message back asking for a reply back with your full name. After replying back, you will then be subscribed.