North East statistics online teacher conference - Modelling with the Normal distribution

Overview

This is the second session of the conference that discusses the statistical content of A level and AS level Mathematics, organised primarily to cater for the needs of schools in the North East of England. Throughout the conference we will refer to Large Data Sets and use them as a context for each topic.

In this session we will discuss the Normal distribution and ways of teaching it and introducing it to students, as well as conditions that have to be met so that we can use it as a model. We will discuss when is it appropriate to use a Normal approximation of binomial distribution. There will be opportunities to share good practice and interact with other teachers throughout the session.

We will be joined by statistics experts from the AMSP/MEI central team for all four sessions, and in this session our very special guest is Stella Dudzic.

Aims

• To understand and use the Normal distribution, its features and to use it as a model
• To discuss the teaching methods of introducing the Normal distribution and use of technology, including the Large Data Sets
• To discuss when is it appropriate to approximate binomial distribution with the Normal

Who will benefit from attending?

All teachers who teach/want to teach/will teach the statistical content of AS level or A level Mathematics. We welcome beginners and teachers with little or lot of experience. Teachers from the North East will be given a priority of attending the conference, in the case of overbooking. 

Materials and Equipment

Access to a computer with a good broadband connection. A tablet can be used for this session, but a laptop/desktop computer is preferable. We strongly recommend a headset and a microphone so that you can interact with other teachers. Make sure you also have the Large Data Sets handy for each session, which will be sent via joining instructions as well.

Cost

This session is free, due to AMSP funding.