BC Education - Essentials of Mathematics 10

Essentials of Mathematics 10 -
Probability and Sampling

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will develop and implement a plan for the collection, display and analysis of data using technology as required

It is expected that students will:

read and interpret graphs
discuss how collected data are affected by the nature of the sample, the method of collection, the sample size and biases
describe issues to be considered when collecting data (e.g., appropriate language, ethics, cost, privacy, cultural sensitivity)
select, defend and use appropriate methods of collecting data:
- designing and using questionnaires
- interviews
- experiments
- research
determine and use measures of central tendency to support decisions
use sample data to make predictions and decisions
use suitable graph types to display data (by hand or using technology)
critique ways in which statistical information and conclusions are presented by the media and other sources

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

In everyday life, we are frequently faced with important information that is survey-based and/or graphically presented. This unit gives students opportunities to select appropriate methods of data collection and to read, interpret, and analyse the validity of data presentations.

Lead a class discussion on ethics of data collection and reporting of results, including experimental design and questionnaire design. Ensure that discussion is centered on issues of appropriate language, privacy, and cultural sensitivity.
Have students create a survey for a restaurant owner who wants to offer three flavours of ice cream in an area that serves high school students. Ask students to decide which ice cream flavours to include in the survey and to choose a method for collecting and ranking the data.
Students design a survey on an issue that interests them, drawing their sample from the school or community at large. Have students justify their survey content and sampling method. Ask students to draw valid, non-trivial conclusions from their data.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Assessment should focus on students’ ability to identify poor sampling techniques and to improve them. Students’ work should also be assessed on appropriate choice of sampling technique.

Collect

Ask students to collect data and draw conclusions from that data. Note the extent to which students are able to justify their conclusions.

Question

Ask students to examine and comment on surveys provided by the teacher. Ask students to describe how they might be improved both in terms of data gathering and data analysis.

Peer Assessment

Have students in small groups create and complete a simple survey. Have them report their results to the class. Ask the class to criticize their presentations.
Have students design and conduct research projects requiring them to choose and apply sampling techniques. As students work on their projects, ask questions such as:
- How did you choose your sampling technique?
- Can you justify your choice?
- Can you identify possible sources of bias or error in your sample?
- When might someone want to bias a sample and how might they do it?
- What makes the graphical representations you are using appropriate for your data?
- How are your conclusions affected by your sample?

RECOMMENDED LEARNING RESOURCES

Comprehensive learning resources for this course are currently under development. As an interim measure, schools are encouraged to use the teacher-developed learning resources distributed to schools (student and teacher resources). Please note that the student materials require photocopying for student use.

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