This document provides guidelines for a mathematics statistics project. The project requires students to organize and present information using tables, graphs, diagrams and appropriate notation. Students must demonstrate understanding of practical mathematics applications and use technology. They should use appropriate statistical methods, form a logical argument supported by evidence, and analyze personal research within a 1500 word limit. The project introduction should describe the topic and steps. Students must collect and logically organize relevant data, perform both simple and complex mathematical processes, interpret results, discuss validity, and communicate their work clearly. Example project ideas are provided.
2. Objectives Organize and present information in tabular, graphical and/or diagrammatic forms Use appropriate notation and terminology Demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of mathematics Use appropriate technological devices as tools. Demonstrate appropriate use of statistical methods. Form a logical argument, supported with concrete information
3. Requirements The project is a piece of work based on Personal research, analysis and evaluation of data. Each project must contain: A title A statement of the task Measurements, information or data Analysis of the information, measurements or data Evaluation of your analysis to form a solid argument
4. Length The project should be no longer than 1500 words, excluding diagrams, graphs, charts and tables. However it is the quality of the work which is most important.
6. Introduction Your introduction should include: A Title page with Title of your project; your name. A clear but brief description of your project Description of the steps you will take (make sure it includes what you are going to do and how you will do it – the intro can be written after the rest of the project)
7. Information/Assessment Collect sufficient data to be able to draw conclusions from it. Organize your data in a logical fashion. Verify the accuracy of your data (this is difficult if you do a survey of your peers – how do you ensure random sampling) Confirm that data is relevant to your task Provide a copy of raw data/questionnaire as appendix.
8. Mathematical processes Choose techniques that are appropriate Verify/check your results to confirm there are no errors in your calculations Use both simple and sophisticated processes Explain the relevance of your processes
9. Interpretation of results Provide explanations of what your calculations show Give enough detail in your interpretation so that a reader would agree with your conclusion
10. Validity Valid means does the project do what it set out to do? Are your conclusions accurate? Perhaps comment on how you could improve your project next time.
11. Communication Suggested order: Title page Introduction Organized data Mathematical Process Interpretation of results Discussion of validity Appendices (if required) Include footnotes as necessary and cite your sources Have someone else read your project for flow/readability, someone who is not familiar with this course
12. Project ideas Choose something in which you are interested; for which you will be able to gather data; that there are mathematical processes simple and sophisticated which are relevant. Are yellow M & M’s less common than other colours? Does that amount of water plants get affect their rate of growth? What is the relationship between GNP and AIDS infection rates? How quickly does water drain from a bucket? How long does it take for a cup of coffee to cool to room temperature? What is the pattern in the rise and fall of tides? What is the stopping distance of a particular car? Analysis of stock market fluctuations A comparison between calorie intake and gender Does eating breakfast have any effect on high school grades? Infant mortality and GDP Investigation of reaction times Sports and grades Air travel – distance compared with price Cost efficiency of vehicles Mobile phone charges in different countries
