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Welcome second group!

Hi! I'm Sam!


I'm teaching your math class this trimester. What class is that? Well, the long-winded name I came up with is

Math as Communication: Data Visualization, Statistics, and Probability

What does that mean? By the end of the trimester, you will be able to:
  1. Effectively read graphs
  2. Understand large data sets by using measures of central tendency
  3. Communicate likelihood using probability
  4. Interpret and communicate data sets by producing interesting and clear graphs and other data visualizations

How will you learn this? Well, you will

  • Have homework almost every night
  • Work effectively in class so homework can be minimal
  • Take a few quizzes
  • Do a project called the Feltron
Here is an example Feltron:


BUT WHY???

It's really easy to communicate opinions. You just say what you feel. You don't have to think, and you don't worry about being wrong. Watch this: 
  • Drake is the worst rapper of all time.
  • Justin Bieber isn't as terrible as he used to be.
  • Death metal is the only real metal. 
  • Two and a Half Men is the worst piece of crap ever to land on a screen.

That was so easy! I just feel it, then I say it. If you ask why, I don't have to give an answer!

But it's harder to communicate things that are true or not. Watch this:
  • Genetically modified food sources are safe and important for eliminating world hunger.
  • Vaccines are a safe and proven way to reduce childhood mortality.
  • Global warming is real and caused by human actions.
See, those statements are either true or not. And, you shouldn't be convinced just because of who says them, you should ask "why?" and get a good answer. And when the topic is complicated, it is reasonable to include data visualizations, to make the information more digestible, such as this chart on causes of death in the 20th century:



Homework

Fill out this!



Finally, if you made it this far, here is a picture of Poppy!


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