Math 310 Probability, Statistics, and Programming
Fall 2011
Virginia V. Lewis
Office: Ruffner 342
Office Hours: T/R 12:30 – 1:30 or by appointment
Phone: 434-395-2894
E-Mail: lewisvv@longwood.edu
Course Description: Examines probability, descriptive statistics, graphical
representations and simple computer programming in a problem-solving
environment through student investigations and hands-on activities. This course
will require the use of a scientific calculator and computer. Prerequisite: MATH
309 or permission of instructor. 3 credits
Course Objectives: The student will
 develop an understanding of the graphical representations, probability and
statistics content presented in this course
 develop an understanding of basic programming and computer science
terminology
 reason mathematically to solve mathematics and programming problems
 discuss mathematics and communicate mathematically in writing
 use a scientific calculator and computer to investigate mathematics and
programming concepts
 increase their confidence level and develop the skills necessary to teach
elementary and middle school probability and statistics concepts
Content Outline: Math 310 – 01
Date
8/22
8/24 – 8/29
8/31 – 9/7
9/12 – 9/14
9/19
9/21
9/26-9/28
10/3-10/5
10/17 –
10/19
Content
Course Overview and
Alice Introduction
Program Structure, Object
Position and Methods
Variables, and Functions
Date
10/24
Content
Graphs and Statistics Test
10/26
10/31-11/2
Experimental and Theoretical
Probability
Counting and Tree Diagrams
Boolean Logic
Flow Control – Decisions and
Looping
Programming Projects Lab
11/7- 11/9
Independent and Dependent Events
11/14 –
11/16
11/21
Permutations and Combinations
11/28
Probability Test
11/30
12/8
Final Exam Review
Section 01 Exam 3:00 – 5:30pm
Formulating Questions,
Designing Investigations, and
Gathering Data
Displaying Data and
Interpreting Data Displays
Measures of Central Tendency
Normal Distribution, Standard
Deviation and Z-scores
Simulations and Expected Value
Assignments:
1)
Homework – You may use your book and any other reference
available to you when completing homework. These
assignments will be available through Blackboard or assigned
from a textbook.
2)
Programming Project – There will be a story-telling
programming project due at the end of the Alice unit that
incorporates proper program structure and demonstrates an
understanding of the programming concepts covered. You may
discuss components of the project with other members of the
class. However your completed project should be your own
work.
3)
Tests - There will be two in class tests. The tests will be
October 24th and November 28th. These will be closed book
tests. You will need your scientific calculator for the tests.
4)
Final Exam –The final exam will be cumulative. You will need a
scientific calculator for your exam. If you forget your calculator
you will be at a disadvantage.
Grading:
Class Participation 10%
Homework 15%
Programming Project 15%
Tests 35%
Final Exam 25%
Grading scale: A 90 – 100
B 80 – 89
C 70 – 79
D 60 – 69
F 0 - 59
Attendance: Regular class attendance is directly related to academic success
and is therefore required. I will take attendance at the beginning of each class.
If you miss a total of 7 classes (excused or unexcused) you will earn a grade of
“F” for the course.
Late Work: No assignment will be accepted after the due date. Make-up
work will be allowed only if you have a note from a doctor or are absent due to a
Longwood University sponsored activity. If you are unable to come to class on
the day an assignment is due you can scan it or send me a digital image of it via
email. If you are going to be absent due to a Longwood University activity you
must notify me no later than a week in advance of the conflict.
Materials:
Required Texts:
Bennett, Albert, et.al. Mathematics for Elementary Teachers. McGraw
Hill Publishing. This book is a custom print and must be purchased
through the bookstore. It only contains the chapters we need along
with activities.
Adams, Joel. Alice in Action. Thomson Course Technology. ISBN-13:
978-1-4188-3771-6 You will need this book the first week of class.
Computer and Alice Software: The Alice 2.2 software can be downloaded for
free at: http://www.alice.org/index.php?page=downloads/download_alice2.2
Calculator: A TI-30Xa or better is required for this class.
Other Supplies: We will use 1/4” graph paper for several of the in-class labs,
homework assignments, and test/exam questions. You will also need colored
pencils, a ruler and protractor.
Blackboard: I will use blackboard daily. Be sure to regularly check the site for
announcements. The website is http://blackboard.longwood.edu
Honor Code: All graded assignments are covered by the Longwood University
Honor Code. Tests and the final exam must be done independently. You may
ask me for assistance on any assignment. Any student that violates the
Honor Code will receive a zero on the assignment and will be reported to
the Longwood University Honor Board.