ROBERT WEISSERT
AP STATISTICS 2014-2015
Brief Description of Course
AP Statistics is a year-long course that meets every other day for ninety minutes and is the high school
equivalent of a one semester, introductory college statistics course. In this course, students develop
strategies for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data using graphical and statistical
methods. Students explore data by describing patterns and departures from patterns, create sampling
and experimental designs by planning and conducting a study, anticipate patterns by exploring random
phenomena using probability and simulation, and perform statistical inference by estimating
population parameters and testing hypotheses.
Students use graphing calculators, various computer output, and Web-based java applets to investigate
statistical concepts. In order to develop effective statistical communication skills, students are required
to prepare frequent oral and written analyses of real data through graded assignments which include
Critical Statistical Analyses, Special Problems, Prep for Exam problems, and projects; the grading
rubric follows the four-point rubric similar to the AP Free Response grading scheme.
Unit Information
Chapter 4 – Designing studies: Designing samples, experiments, and simulating experiments. (Yes, we
are going out of order!)
Chapter 1 – Exploring data: Display Variables (graphical), Describe Patterns, Calculate Measures of
Center and Spread, Interpret Data
Chapter 2 – Modeling distributions of data: Density Curve Properties, Normal Distributions and the 6895-99.7 rule, Z-scores, Find values given a proportions using tables and calculators, assessing normality,
creating and interpreting a normal plot by hand and with technology
Chapter 3 – Describing relationships: Scatterplots, correlation, least-squares regression, comparing
bivariate data
Chapter 5 – Probability: The idea of probability, probability models and rules
Chapter 6 – Random Variables: Discrete and Continuous Random Variables, Transforming and
Combining Random Variables, Binomial and Geometric Random Variables
Chapter 7 – Sampling Distributions: sample Proportions, Sample Means, distinguishing the difference
between a sample and population
Chapter 8 – Estimating with Confidence: Basic Confidence Intervals, Estimating a Population Proportion
and Mean,
Chapter 9 – Testing a Claim: Significance Tests, Tests about a Population Proportion, Tests about a
Population Mean,
Chapter 10 – Comparing Two Populations or Groups: Comparing Two Proportions, Comparing Two
Means
Chapter 11 – Inference: Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Tests, Inference for Relationships,
Chapter 12 – More about Regression: Inference for Linear Regression, Transforming to Achieve Linearity
Review : A comprehensive and extensive review of all topics to prepare for the AP test starting in April.
AP EXAM: Wednesday, May 13
Exploratory Statistics Projects beyond the curriculum to follow after the exam.
ROBERT WEISSERT
AP STATISTICS 2014-2015
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR AP STATISTICS
HOW TO CONTACT ME:
email: robert.weissert@cms.k12.nc.us (preferred)
GRADING SCALE:
A 93 – 100
B 85 – 92
C 77 – 84
D 70 – 76
F 0 - 69
phone: 704-840-7996 twitter: @RobertWeissert
Your grade is computed using a weighted average:
70% Formal assessments, such as tests (multiple choice and free response,
major quizzes, projects, and performance tasks. Major formal assessments
(such as tests and projects) will count for more than minor formal
assessments (such as quizzes and group tasks).
30% Informal assessments, such as checked homework, classwork, freeresponse class practice, collected warm-ups/tickets out, and web-based
assignments
**** If you have an excused absence and missed an assignment, you have up to 5 class days to submit
this assignment for full credit per CMS policy. However, it is vital that you get the work from me or a
classmate as soon as possible so that you have time to complete it and get help if needed. Late
assignments (that you were present for when assigned) will count up to 70% of the original grade and
will not be accepted after the end of a unit.
SUPPLIES:
Pencils, blue or black pens, highlighter
Lots of notebook paper
Some grid paper (1/4 inch is fine)
3-ring binder w/dividers
Graphing calculator (TI-84 recommended)
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
1. Show respect for your classmates and me: This includes:
 No talking when someone is presenting
 Arriving on time to class
 Raising your hand to ask questions or leave your seat
 Having no food/drinks (except bottled water)
 Silencing phones and not using them during class time except for instructional use
2. Be prepared for class –
Complete the assigned reading guides and homework every day and always have your
textbook, calculator, and other materials with you to class.
3. Begin your warmup immediately when you arrive to class
4. Work only on math, and work until the bell rings – no packing up early
5. Come for help as soon as you need it. Tutoring times, test makeups and retakes are by
appointment. I am available most mornings at 6:15 and after school on Thursdays until 3:15
if you let me know in advance!
6. Challenge yourself, ask a lot of questions, and help out those in need. This is a challenging
course and there will be a lot of reading and writing involved.
7. Have fun, collaborate, be involved, and take risks!
ROBERT WEISSERT
AP STATISTICS 2014-2015
TESTS: Tests will be two-part, multiple choice and free response. Each part will be timed, with the
amount of time given consistent with the amount of time given on the AP exam per problem. Starting
with the second unit, a portion of the multiple choice part of the test will have a handful of mixed
review questions.
RETESTS: Retests will be available for each unit. However, a documented tutoring session (either with
me, an outside tutor, a strong peer tutor, or web-based review that can be proven) must be completed
along with test corrections with work and explanations. Retest deadlines will be set for each test handed
back.
ONLINE HELP:
Textbook site: http://bcs.whfreeman.com/tps4e/#t_628644____ (or just google “the practice of
statistics 4th edition). Although the full textbook cannot be accessed, there are quizzes you can take for
each chapter, glossaries, and other statistical applications that are very helpful.
Youtube: You can learn a lot from youtube if you know what to search. Just type AP statistics in the
search bar. The best one that I have found is Professor Rob Bob (ProfRobBob, see the following link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUuWMwJ1Juw&list=PLC8478000586FA6F9
There are plenty of others as well.
I will also be updating my own videos to youtube going over selected answers from our own class
assignments in the near future. Currently, there is nothing there, but here is the link for future
reference: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMKOwRzqYnEdzYN5wgwU2Xg
My Wiki Page: http://patriotmath.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/AP+Statistics I keep the textbook
powerpoints, reading guides, and other updates from our class here.
Twitter: I’m relatively new to this. Follow @RobertWeissert and I’ll try to send out updates, links,
reminders, and other things that I think will be helpful to the course.
College board: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-statistics All the information about the
course as well as released and practice problems all in one convenient location
Stats Monkey: www.apstatsmonkey.com A great teacher-made site with excellent resources and links.
Stattrek: http://stattrek.com/ Tutorials, practice exams, and other apps.
Stats4Stem: http://www.stats4stem.org/ I have not explored this site very thoroughly, however, there
seems to be an enormous amount of resources here.