Community High School District 155
Prairie Ridge Hosts AP Statistics Carnival
When most people play games, they think of the fun they are having or the strategy for how to win. But at Prairie Ridge High School, students in Mimi Kallwitz's third and eighth hour Advance Placement (AP) Statistics classes delved deeper, calculating probability and odds for new homemade games to entertain the entire student body at the 4th Annual AP Statistics Carnival on April 13.
Forty-one students from Kallwitz's classes developed games during first semester and built them for this annual showcase of practical statistics applications. Made up of both juniors and seniors in the classes spent time first semester calculating probability rules and statistics behind the games. During second semester, games with cards, spinning wheels, ping-pong balls, darts, marbles, and even Tootsie Pops were brought to life for the entire school to enjoy.
In total, some 1,400 students visited the AP Statistics Carnival. Based on the game inventors' calculations, tickets were awarded to reflect the difficult of specific feats in each game. At each game station, a formula explained the mathematical work behind the challenge. Game-players were able to get a first glimpse into the statistical realm—perhaps enticing them to take the class in the coming semesters—while game-inventors were able to showcase their knowledge of the subject.
According to Kallwitz, the statistics carnival is her students' highlight for the year. "It gives them an opportunity to move from the purely theoretical mindset to how their statistical work in the class can be applied," added the teacher, now in her fourth year instructing this course.
Of course, the real showcase of the AP Statistics students' comprehension will take place on the upcoming Advance Placement exam. Students who earn an honor score on the exam--a score of three or higher--may be granted college credit for their achievement. The number of students making this achievement has increased in past years. In fact, from 2005 to 2006 the students earning an honor score increased by five percent. In real numbers, thirty-eight of the forty-five students who took the test in 2006 were eligible for college credit.
Now if only the AP Statistics students could work with the Marketing classes to mass-produce these games.
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