Introduction The Task The Process	Resources  Evaluation Thanks
Why on Earth  Am I Taking  Statistics? (A WebQuest)

Introduction

Why am I required to take statistics for my major?  Is this something I will only be using while in school?

The Task

You will find applications of statistics in your career (major), personal life and future education.
If you are considering working as a statistician, check out these jobs for statisticians.

The Process

• Gathering - You first need form a group with two other students - possibly students in your same major or with similar personal interests.  You will individually search the Web for at least nine sites.  (You will turn all nine sites in to your instructor along with a brief description of their usefulness.)  Those nine sites must include at least three sites concerning your future career (in your major field of study), three of personal interest and three with educational applications.  All sites must include the use of statistics.  Be careful about your selection of sites that provide data.  There are many bogus Internet stats on the Internet.  Check their resources!

• Arranging - Meet as a group and choose the most interesting sites.  Do not include every site found - only those that capture your interest and would therefore capture the interest of your classmates.  Write a short description of how statistics from this site can be used in the future.

Example:     http://www.btgirlscouts.org/

This Web site takes a very interesting look at one of the most popular organizations in America.  Click on funding and see a pie chart that delineates where the revenue comes from for this organization.  I will use this information as the service unit director for our local girl scouts.  Funding is an important concern for service unit directors.

Presenting - Present your information to the class with a brief (under 5 minutes) oral presentation. You must give a PowerPoint presentation with links to your web sites. You may also include any other visual presentation you create.  E-mail your links to the sites to your instructor and your classmates.

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Resources

These resources are just examples of the types of sites available on the Internet.  You will probably be able to find sites in your specific areas of interest by performing searches.

Blinn College Library
Information about Latin America
Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI
United States Federal Government Statistics
Center for Disease Control
National Center for Education Statistics
Weiss Statistics Textbook Home Page
Statistical Resources about Health on the Web
United States Census Bureau

What do statisticians have to say?
          Read the random statistical quote of the day!
 

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Evaluation

This WebQuest will be evaluated based on the following rubric:

Final Grade = 4 times Individual score (max 64) + 2 times Group score (max 36)

Total points possible = 100

Individual Score
 

Category	Outstanding 4	Accomplished 3	Developing 2	Minimal 1
Initial research	More than 9 sites found containing statistics	7-9 sites found containing statistics	4-6 sites found containing statistics	Very few (1-3) sites found containing statistics
Accuracy	Exceptional information Useful statistics	Useful information Useful statistics	Little information gained Little statistics	Little information gained No statistics
Evidence of group participation	Taking a leadership role in the group and ensuring the participation of all members	Actively participating in the group	Participating in group but only with  minimal input	Providing little input into the group project
Presentation	Providing input into the presentation and making verbal contribution Presentation outstanding	Providing input into the presentation and making verbal contribution	Providing input into the presentation but not making any verbal contribution	Providing little input into the presentation

Group Score
 

Category	Outstanding 4	Accomplished 3	Developing 2	Minimal 1
Evidence of Group Collaboration	More than 9 interesting sites found containing statistics	7-9 interesting sites found containing statistics	4-6 interesting sites found containing statistics	Very few (1-3) interesting sites found containing statistics
Accuracy	Exceptional information Useful statistics	Useful information Useful statistics	Little information gained Little statistics	Little information gained No statistics
Presentation	Group worked well together. Every individual providing input into the presentation and making verbal contribution Presentation outstanding	Group worked together. Every individual providing input into the presentation and making verbal contribution Good presentation	Group had some difficulties working together. Some individuals providing input into the presentation but not making any verbal contribution	Group depended on one individual to do all the work. Other individuals providing little input into the presentation

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Thanks

The WebQuest concept was originally developed by Bernie Dodge at San Diego State University.

Thank you to Dr. Cindy Peterson for introducing me to so many uses of hypermedia in the classroom.

Freeware clipart courtesy http://www.aaaclipart.com.

 
 

A Statistics WebQuest Designed by Karen Anglin Mathematics Instructor Blinn College Last Updated Jan.23, 2006 Top