Learning statistics in the senior school using illustrated real data in context

Abstract

Data generating project work in middle school is a successful component of statistics training at this level. CensusAtSchool, GAISE, CAUSE projects and Statistics New Zealand SURFs also provide data for investigation in middle school and beyond. To motivate students further, real data from current research should be used in the classroom to help take statistics training to the next level. Such data are described. Eleven research projects are presented in DVDs with matching data provided on CDs. Context is outlined, study design and data collection are discussed, and proposals are made for analyses to answer questions. The DVDs, developed for use in 2009, feature illustrated researcher talks. The DVDs and CDs are also available for viewing on the web. A range of studies are described along with tasks to be carried out. Feedback from school teachers and students on relevance of this resource will be discussed.