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Home > After the Exam: Statistics Research Project
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After the Exam: Statistics Research Project
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| | I assign a research project after the AP Exam. My students tell me that working on the project is the highlight of their year because they actually get to put what they learned into use (when does that happen in your typical math class?). My project is done in groups of three and has a technology theme to it. I am also considering having my students write a journal-like story of their research using a newsletter "wizard" from Microsoft Publisher. Finally, I also have an attendance component to discourage students from getting lazy at the end of the year.
Daniel Shuster
Mathematics/Computer Science
Royal High School
Simi Valley, California
Description:
The project will be a culminating activity, drawing on much of what you have learned in this class. The project will be done in groups of three. Each group will explore a research topic of interest and perform an experiment or observational study related to that topic. The group will then write a report summarizing the results of the study. Finally, all three members of the group will present the project to the class.
Technology Requirements:
There will be an emphasis on the use of technology for this project. You will be graded on your ability to effectively use the power of the personal computer in conducting your research, analysis, and presentation of findings. - The Internet will be a primary source for your research.
- The written report will be done in Microsoft Word.
- Microsoft Excel will be used for data analysis, charts, and graphs.
- A Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow must accompany the oral presentation.
Requirements of the Research:
Research must come from a variety of sources, chief among those being the Internet. When gathering information from the Internet, keep the following in mind: - Seek information from known, trustworthy sources.
- Critique the information for validity.
- Always cite your sources (all URLs must be noted).
- BE AWARE OF AND RESPECT COPYRIGHT LAWS!
Requirements of the Paper:
The paper will consist of a summary of your research and experiment(s) as well as your personal conclusions. The goal is to enlighten the reader with words, numbers, and pictures. Use the following format: - Title Page (title of paper, group members, class, my name, year)
- Introduction (state topic, project goals and direction)
- Summary of Research (data, statistics, charts, graphs, sources)
- Summary of Experiment (methods, analysis, charts, graphs of results)
- Final Summary of Project (each member writes their own)
You should perform both exploratory data analysis and inference with your data. Data should be supported by appropriate graphs. Also, emphasize the processes used to collect and analyze your data. There is no set page requirement. Just write a thorough paper and explore your topic as best you can within the given timeframe.
Requirements of the Presentation:
At the conclusion of the research project, each group will present some interesting aspects of their research to the class. The presentation must be supported with an interactive PowerPoint slide show. The presentation will last 20 minutes, structured as follows: - Summary of Research results
- Summary of Experiment results
- An interactive class activity related to your project
- Question and answer session with class
Each of the above sections should last about 5 minutes with a different group member leading each of the first three parts of the presentation. All members will take part in the Q&A portion.
Timeline:
Use the following to pace your project and ensure prompt completion: - Project proposal due - May 23
- Research update due - May 28
- Description of data collection methods due - May 31
- Written paper due - June 5
- Presentation - June 6 to June 11 + Final Exam Day
Two copies of the paper are due on June 5. NO EXCEPTIONS. Two groups will present each day. The schedule will be determined randomly on June 4.
Grading:
The project is worth 200 points, itemized as follows: Group Research Paper -- 100 points
Individual Summary of Project -- 25 points
Group Presentation -- 75 points
Ten points will be deducted from your project grade for every day of absence during the period of May 21 to June 11 (5 points for a tardy). Your presence is required by your group every day! Also, points will be earned through project weekly "progress checks."
Suggestions: - Pick a topic that will be enjoyable and easy to research.
- Use class computer time profitably.
- Don't overextend yourself, but don't under-represent your ability either.
- Be creative with your presentation while maintaining the focus of the project.
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