Because new learning technologies are enabling students to build and explore probability models, we believe that there is a need to determine the big enduring ideas that underpin probabilistic thinking and modeling. By uncovering the elements of the thinking modes of expert users of probability models we aim to provide a base for the setting of…

Learning about statistics is a lot like learning about science: the learning is more meaningful if you can actively explore. This tenth installment of "Explorations in Statistics" explores the analysis of a potential change in some physiological response. As researchers, we often express absolute change as percent change so we can…

This article advocates biased spinners as an engaging context for statistics students. Calculating the probability of a biased spinner landing on a particular side makes valuable connections between probability and other areas of mathematics. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)

As a consequence of the increased use of data in workplace environments, there is a need to understand the demands that are placed on users to make sense of such data. In education, teachers are being increasingly expected to interpret and apply complex data about student and school performance, and, yet it is not clear that they always have the…

This article compares the definition of "box plot" as used in the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics" with other definitions used in the education community; describes the difficulties students experience when dealing with box plots; and discusses the elaboration that is necessary to enable teachers to develop the knowledge…

In this paper we examine the ultimatum game's income distribution and efficiency implications and modify the game to investigate the impact of re-distributional policies imposed on the parties.

This paper presents an alternative version of formulas of conditional probabilities and Bayes' rule that demonstrate how the truth table of elementary mathematical logic applies to the derivations of the conditional probabilities of various complex, compound statements. This new approach is used to calculate the prior and posterior probabilities…

Analyzes students' calculations of appliance efficiency using basic arithmetic and provides examples of energy guide labels that illustrate applications of algebra and statistical concepts. (KHR)

The theorem is seen as the foundation for large-sample statistical inferences, and is usually difficult for students to understand because one expects to take only one sample from a population. A description of how a table of random numbers readily available to students could be used is provided. (MP)

A syllabus is proposed for a course in statistics at the secondary level. Brief comments are given on each topic, indicating how they may be presented to students. The overall approach to teaching statistics from an interdisciplinary point of view is discussed. (Author/SD)

A few suggestions are made concerning method and approach in teaching basic statistical thinking as part of a first course in statistics. (MN)

An example involving a hypothetical television commercial is offered as an indication of how instructors might start their material in teaching the principles and practice of statistical thinking. (MN)

The social science finding that two-thirds of a population of successful males are first-born sons provided the motivation for a problem solved by a 12th grade honors class. The class proved that the probability of choosing a first-born son from a male population is about two-thirds. (JP)

A self-teaching module on queues, dealing with the use of random numbers in the simulation of realistic queueing or waiting-line situations, is described. Both mathematical content and teaching methods are considered. (MNS)

Presents activities designed to introduce a mathematical idea having several applications for determining the optimal location for a radio station's transmitter and the best locations for a fire station. Includes student worksheets and solutions. (KHR)