By Lena Gluck
Over midterm week, Oyster Bay High School’s AP Statistics class worked diligently to conduct a survey for eighth and tenth grade students; the purpose of the survey was to find out what extracurricular activities the students participate in, what they find appealing about school aside from academics, and what days of the week are typically their busiest.
The survey was administered to students through Google forms. Although there was a high non-response rate, and some answers were falsified, the class did receive useful information, which the AP Statistics class then analyzed during their three hour midterm timeslot.
Jason Hom, Rachel Sabatello, James Grassie, and I comprised the team of analysts. Math teacher Ms. Breun led students through the process with math supervisor Mr. Burke providing feedback as well. The academic purpose of the survey was to implement sampling methods, apply knowledge of statistics to analyze data, construct and analyze graphs, and reflect on the process as a whole.
Our findings were presented to the data team, where the information was further analyzed. As one of the student facilitators of the survey said, “I really liked how we took on a project instead of a test because it allowed me to combine knowledge that we learned in the class with acquired mathematical skills and apply them to real world scenarios.”
Jason Hom said, “I really enjoyed conducting a survey in AP Statistics because it allowed me to apply what I learned in statistics to real-world experiences.”
The best way to reinforce what we are learning in school is to be able to experience it in a real life scenario.
Ms. Breun added, “I enjoy this project because students have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned through a medium other than a test. They also get to learn about the process of creating, administering, and analyzing the survey.”
The project was a great way to allow students to see how math can be applied beyond the scope of the classroom and that it can be used in everyday life.
Overall, the students who participated in the interactive midterm project truly enjoyed it and found the experience to be meaningful. More teachers at OBHS should consider administering authentic projects as opposed to traditional midterm exams. Doing so would give students the opportunity to use what they have learned and apply it to real world situations.