Statistics is a tool used to make decisions that will impact on real-life choices, and where to spend our money and effort on activities – hopefully with some beneficial outcome. In Applications SL, the use of statistics covers about 50% of the course and is therefore an important component. The exploration of ANY idea starts with a question – and that question could be informed by statistics. By introducing this topic relatively early in the first year of DP, it is my hope that students will reflect on issues that may lead to explorations mathematically. Communication is an important component and the IA (internal assessment) reflects on this. Mathematical communication (research report-writing) is not taught in most systems of secondary education and yet its importance in scientific research and as a source of information in the working world cannot be denied. How many of us now know about “flattening the curve” from Covid news? IB DP addresses these issues and during the course, I will be sharing examples of good and bad math report-writing which will develop communication skills for the real world and prepare students early on for the IA.
