Multivariate data

Our new topic is Multivariate Data. This is worth 4 credits and will be assessed in week 10 at the end of the term.

We will be working from the brown Nulake and also Gamma. In this topic a calculator of some kind is essential. A graphics calculator is really useful, as you need to be able to order 30 pieces of data.


This topic is based around the PPDAC cycle, which is followed when completing statistical investigations:
P - Problem - Writing a question to investigate.
P - Plan - Deciding how to investigate this problem.
D - Data - Collecting and cleaning data to answer the question.
A - Analysis - Calculating statistics and drawing graphs based on your data.
C - Conclusion - Answering your original question using your analysis.


Analysis and Conclusion are the sections which make the most difference to your grade so we will spend the longest time focssing on these.

Linear Algebra

Our new topic is Linear Algebra. This is worth 3 credits and will be assessed approximately week 5.

We will be working from the new green Nulake and also Gamma. Calculators will be essential, with graphics calculators being highly useful. You will also need a ruler for most lessons.

This topic focusses on both algebraic and graphing skills. For some people you may need some extra revision - if so see me for a logon to the mymaths website which provides extra support.

Internal

The internal for measurement is on Thursday. You will need the following:

• Blue or black pens.
• Your own calculator.
• Nulake with any notes you like added to it.

In order to prepare for this assessment I suggest you:

• Practice questions in your Nulake.
• Read through your notes - copy those needed into your Nulake.
• Attend a revision session - Wed lunch in P3 or after school in P2.
• Check out exemplar assessments on the following links.

Exemplar One

Exemplar Two

Measurement

Our new topic is measurement. This is assessed as an internal in the last week of term, and is worth 3 credits.

For this topic you need the Nulake booklet ($25 from the resource centre) and a calculator. A scientific calculator will be okay, but a Graphics calculator will be useful, especially at Merit and Excellence level. You must bring these to all lessons.

Revision

I will be running revision sessions on Friday lunchtime and Monday lunchtime. These will cover Achieved, Merit and Excellence skills.

You should also:

• Reread all of your notes and sheets.
• Practice drawing scatter graphs by hand or using your calculator.
• Check out these links for examples of student work and the grades they got:

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/mathematics/exemplars/level-1-as91036-a/

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/mathematics/exemplars/level-1-as91036-b/

Bivariate assessment - structure

This will take place over three sessions on 26/2, 28/2 and 29/2.

Session One - Planning an investigation
The first session will be to draw up a plan about how you will go about obtaining the data you need for your investigation. This will require discussion in a small group. Your plan needs to include the following:

• The Relationship Question (given to you)
  
• The variables you will be investigating (taken from the question)
  
• How you will measure these variables (using what??)
  
• How you will collect the data to answer the question (what accuracy, what will each person do)
  
• What you will use for measuring (e.g. tape measure, scales etc)
• Note what things might affect the measures they take (managing sources of variation)
• How many samples you will collect
• How you will record their results

You will need to discuss your group’s plan with your teacher and adjust it until it is approved by your teacher.

Session Two - Gathering Data

The second session will be used for data collection. This will require each group to:

• Take the measurements
• Clean the data (if needed)

· Note down any problems they had in taking the measurements and how they solved them. Also note any adjustments they made to their plan.

At the end of the data collection you need to make sure each student has a copy of both the plan and data.

Session Three - Analysing Data

In the final session you will work individually under exam conditions. You will need to analyse the data collected and form a conclusion based on that information. The analysis should include the following:

• An appropriate graph (i.e. a correctly drawn scatter plot)
• A description of the type of relationship and its strength
• A conclusion that states clearly what the relationship actually is (in plain English).
• Comments about groups or clusters, outliers, trend, closeness of the data to the trend, spread or variation of the data.
• The reasonableness of the relationship (is it what you expected?)

Bivariate assessment - 3 credits

Your first assessment is coming up next week over the first three spells. The three parts are:

• Monday - Planning your investigation (in groups of three)
• Wednesday - Gathering your data (in groups of three)
• Thursday - Analysing your data (individually)

You need to bring the following:

• Blue and black pens only.
• Any notes/worksheets you have - this is an open book assessment.
• Calculator - preferably a Casio fx-9750GII

I will be running help sessions on Friday and Monday at lunchtime to make sure everyone is ready.