Now that Unit 1 is behind us, it is time to start two-variable data! Two-variable data starts off with how to display two categorical variables using side-by-side bar graphs, segmented bar graphs, and mosaic plots. Then, we get into two quantitative variables and check out scatterplots, correlation, regression, and non-linear regression.
To start the unit, I make packets of the guided notes and packets of the homework assignments. I give both of these packets to the students on the first day of the unit. I also post all the video lessons in Google Classroom via a Google Spreadsheet. Then, I create a “Materials” post and I have the answer keys to the homework assignments listed there.
Keep reading to see how I make all of this work in my class or skip to the end to check out the free materials and my TPT store!
Guided Notes and Homework
I have FOUR sets of guided notes that I go through, and then after each set of notes, I assign the homework problems. I teach the guided notes in class, going through the problems and information, having students fill in the blanks, and then ask questions as they come up. Most of the notes take a full 50-minute class period, but sometimes I have to use two class periods for a set of notes (especially if we get to talking off topic, which they love to do!). If I ever fall too far behind in my pacing, I like assigning the video notes as homework for us to catch up in the lesson. The videos are also so great in case a student is absent and needs to catch up on the material.
I tell the students that I expect the homework assignment to be completed a day or two after we finish that set of notes. I do not collect the homework packet until the day of the test, and then I grade it for completion. Because this is an AP class, I have the students check their homework through the Google Classroom themselves and tell them to come to me with questions. I find that putting the responsibility on them helps free up my time and really lets them advocate for their own learning.
Activities
The unit plans come full of activities and projects (and I keep adding more!). I plan on using some of these throughout the unit, but I really don’t have time for everything. I pick and choose the activities that students will need to help reinforce the skills that they need help with, and some of the activities I save for AP exam review as well. Here is what is currently included:
Unit 2 Trivia Review Game
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- Students review problems from Unit 2 in a classic “Trivia Night” game. Fun questions mixed in for a great time in your class.
Unit 2 Circuit
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- I have students complete this circuit in class together, to practice AP style multiple choice questions.
Handspan vs Chocolate Grab
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- Students explore the linear relationship between their hand span length and how many M&Ms they can pick up. I do this activity together in class.
Are We Compatible?
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- I do this activity usually on a Friday, when we need to review scatterplots and correlation, but when I want to break up the monotony of notes and homework assignments. Students love getting to know other students!
COVID Vaccinations Project
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- Students will explore data values around two COVID vaccination claims with a linear regression analysis. The goal is to get students working with larger sets of two variable data, and also to recognize when they could potentially use a linear regression analysis in everyday life. I assign this as individual work for the “Unit 2 Project”.
Vitruvian Man Activity (Part 1 and 2)
- I do part 1 of this activity after Notes 1 and before Notes 2, to introduce linear regression, which might be a topic they have covered before in an Algebra class. Part 1 is completed in a class period and then I assign Part 2 as homework.
The Unit 2 Test
The Unit 2 test, just like the Unit 1 test, is 20 multiple choice questions with 1 free response question. I find that students are usually a little bit quicker with this test than they are with the Unit 1 test, so you might have students who finish within the class period. If your students do not finish in the class period, here are some suggestions about what you can do with the longer test:
✔ Train your students; when they come in on test day, as soon as the bell rings, you are handing out the test so they have the full time to take it. No questions or homework problems when the period starts.
✔ If they don’t finish in the time allowed, and you think that they did run out of time (as opposed to not finishing because they were staring off into space) then consider having them come after school ON THAT DAY to finish.
✔ You can also consider giving the 20 multiple choice questions one day and the free response questions on the next day. This breaks up the test over two days but allows time for questions at the beginning of each class and plenty of time for students to finish.
✔ Really crunched for time? Give the multiple-choice questions in class and have the FRQs as take-home problems. You can’t always guarantee they won’t seek outside help but this early in the year, I don’t stress so much about being 100% AP ready just yet.
Don’t Stress!
I know the AP time crunch is “scary”, and if you end up getting behind or your students need more time, it can be stressful to teachers to get behind so early in the year. DO. NOT. WORRY. If your students need more time, please take it. This is the biggest unit and so much of the material is built on this. Take the time if you need it, I give you my full permission!
My end goal is always to try and make it through Random Variables (Unit 4) by the end of the year. I like to try and plan to get through Sampling Distributions (Unit 5), but I have only succeeded at that one year. It is okay; give yourself some grace and don’t stress yourself out. I’m sure that is easier said than done, but work on it all the same!! How did your Unit 1 go in AP Statistics? Leave a comment below! 👇
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