Data, Statistic and Probability
There are 4 areas
of math; Number & Operation, Geometry & Measurement, and Function &
Algebra and ÒData, Statistics
& Probability.Ó
This area is very
relevant and timely because we have recognized a Red Sox World Series victory
in 2007! Games are a big part of
ÒData, Statistics & Probability.Ó Throughout the baseball season those of
us in ÒRed Sox NationÓ were anticipating the possibility that the Red Sox would proceed through the
playoffs to the World Series. We
felt more and more confident as the data and statistics (i.e., playersÕ batting
averages, earned run averages, etc.) were gathered during each game. As the
play-offs proceeded into the World Series competition, we became more likely to
make the claim, ÒIÕll bet that the Red Sox are going to win the World Series!Ó
In another
application, we use ÔprobabilityÕ when we plan a vacation. Have you ever looked at statistics of
snowfall amounts and/or daily temperatures of various ski resorts in order to
Ôhedge your betsÕ for a better ski vacation for your family? Or, have you ever planned a trip to
Block Island, yet cancelled the plans because the weather data looked
ominous? Then, you do realize that
we use this mathematic process a lot!
So, Probability is
the study of Òhow likely is it?Ó
Children are naturally creating and using their own data to predict the
outcome of events or games. Many
children may even change the rules of games in order to make them
Ôfair-er.Õ So in this spirit, math
classes today play games to discuss the probability of events to happen - like
winning an addition-facts game, or a dice throwing game, or a spinner
game. Another outcome of
game-playing is that students are applying their knowledge of math facts whilst
playing the games.
The South
Kingstown Math Coaches feel that this area is increasingly vital to the
mathematical growth of our students.
Why? Because our students
are - and will continue to be - inundated with claims and promises theyÕll hear
on the television, internet, radio, and even their peers. They are likely to hear,
These claims are
often supported with graphs, charts, or percentages. Statistics supporting these claims are very persuasive (!)
so it is important for all of us to understand how the information is presented, as well as what is being presented.
Your child is
learning how to collect information, display information, and even how to
interpret claims in his/her math lessons.
When students can formulate a question, collect essential information,
display the results, and then analyze the informationÉthey can make better
decisions. When children
are learning to make decisions based on information (rather than the influence
of others) they become adults that make better decisions. IÕll be my last dollar on thatÉ