Carolina Investigations® for AP® Biology: Quantitative Analysis and Statistics

• Aligned with Big Idea 3 and Essential Knowledge 3.A.3 and 3.C.1
• Emphasizes Science Practices 1, 2, 4, and 5
• Develops quantitative skills through inquiry such as communicating scientific procedures and organizing data in charts, tables, and graphs
• Offers practice in chi-square statistical analysis, t-test evaluation, and correlation coefficient for linear fits

This advanced kit, which reinforces data analysis, visualization, and statistical evaluation skills, is a great opener or end-of-year review for your AP® Biology class. The optional pre-lab inquiry, when students test a hypothesis during a demonstrated magic trick, emphasizes to students the value of statistics when applied to hypothesis testing. Next, students complete any or all 3 guided-inquiry-based activities to reinforce their understanding of Mendelian genetics, chi-square test for fit, and other concepts.

During the kit's guided-inquiry activities, students practice:

• Explaining the chi-square test for fit of genetic crosses of corn, which also reinforces Mendel's laws of inheritance
• Identifying trends through past and present hominids using students' own biometric measurements to calculate the mean, median, mode, and range of a sample, and calculate the standard error of the mean (SEM) for each sampled human population
• Applying a t-test to compare the mean and standard deviation of 2 sample populations to determine if a significant difference exists between them
• Evaluating the correlation of data sets using r values for statistical significance

Students also apply quantitative skills, such as:

• Organizing data and communicating scientific procedures and explanations as they use data tables, graphs, and charts
• Using evidence to develop explanations and make predictions
• Performing and using appropriate statistical analyses of data, including the application of chi-square statistical analysis, the t-test, and correlation coefficient for linear fits
• Determining mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and standard error of the mean (SEM)
• Incorporating digital tools to perform statistical analyses of data

The kit includes enough materials for a class of 32 students working in groups of 4, as well as 1-year access to digital resources.

AP® is a trademark registered and/or owned by the College Board®, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.