[nabs-l] AP Statistics

[lizzy]

Hi Lillie,
You've probably already had your meeting, but I just read this 
message and figured I'd answer these questions for anyone who may 
find them helpful.  I am taking AP Stat this year so if you'd 
like anymore info feel free to ask away.  I've answered your 
questions below.
  1.  Are graphing calculators needed? I have the TI84 from APH 
and used it this year.  Are the statistical functions accessible?




Answer: The TI84 will work just fine, the stat functions work 
very well.  There is a way to graph things on it, but I 
personally do not find the function very helpful.  I would 
recommend graphing on Excel and then embossing your graph if you 
need to see it for statistical analysis.
2.  Is excel used? Roughly what parts?




Answer: Yes, it is used a lot but that really depends on your 
teacher.  Everything that is done in excel can be done on the 
calculator, so there are ways around it if you're not comfortable 
using the program.  However, excel is a helpful supplement to the 
class and I would recommend proficiency in creating 
box-and-whisker plots, dot plots, residuals, basic stat functions 
(mean median, mote etc.), and other stat functions that are 
escaping me right now (but your teacher can tell you exactly what 
you'll need).  I recommend playing around with these options over 
the summer, or at least learning the gist before they are taught 
in class.  If you need more explanation let me know.
3.  What about the statistical functions part of the Braille note 
calculator? Is this used? Again, what functions?




Answer: Yes, I've used it a few times.  You don't necessarily 
"need" it since you have the TI84, but if you'd rather use it for 
basic functions it is another tool in your tool box.  Since it 
only offers very basic options, you can use all or none of them.  
It just depends on your preference.
4.  Roughly are there any new Nemeth symbols introduced?

Answer: This is a tough question for me to answer because I 
learned the entire Nemeth code in the 6th grade, so I don't 
really know what would be considered "new".  Ask your teacher to 
give you the formula sheets that will be given with the AP exam.  
Get that brailled and ask questions about any new symbols either 
over the summer (or before they are used in class).
5.  Is there any reason I would have to hand-draw a graph at any 
point if I have the calculator and excel available to me?

Answer: The class is mostly about interpreting graphs.  I can't 
say that your teacher will never ask you to draw one but if 
you're taking AP that's probably not a huge issue for you.  A 
detailed graph description will work just fine.  The more 
important part of the class is being able to explain the 
reasoning behind your graph.

6.  Are there parts of the course, minus inaccessible software, 
that are inaccessible?
Answer: None that I can think of right now.
Other Tips: Just make sure you have the book you need along with 
the student answer edition (so that you can see the correct 
graphs once you've finished problems).  Also, let your teacher 
know that it is imperative that they describe in class graphs 
done on excel.  If you don't understand a description, please 
speak up and say something.  A good teacher will make sure you 
have equal access to the graphs (whether this means drawing it 
ahead of time, asking a classmate to draw it for you while it's 
on the board, or going over it with you afterward).  Some 
teachers just want to explain the graphs and they're not so great 
at doing so, this would be a time to get a friend or someone who 
has taken the class in the past to draw them for you and ask the 
teacher for an explanation afterward.  I can't stress this 
enough, you REALLY need to know the graphs and the reasoning 
behind them so make sure you have access to them.
If you have any other questions or just need more explanation, 
feel free to ask.
HTH,
Lizzy