Chapter 16: Probability Models, Continued (Days 149-150)

In Ethnostats, we continue with the next three pages in Chapter 16, on probability models. Students continue with the binomial model including mean (expected value) and standard deviation, and thus how the normal model can be used to approximate the binomial model. Due to so many recent holidays, it's been time since we've had an all-classes Monday schedule. 

The last such Monday was three weeks ago -- but originally I thought it would be a minimum day and so I'd scheduled quiz corrections for that day. This time I knew in advance that it's not a minimum day -- so no corrections are planned for today, but it's a bit rushed when I'm so used to teaching block periods. And so, for example, I discuss a five-part previous homework problem as the Warm-Up.

One of them requires using the TI calculator (binompdf and binomcdf), and so I take time to show the students all the steps. Then I find myself rushed to prepare them for the second problem (relating binomial back to normal) -- and of course, it doesn't help that they haven't really seen the normal model since first semester. So I end up assigning only one question for homework.

Oh, and speaking of the first semester, the challenge in Calculus class is to remind the students of the material they learned in the fall that might appear on the AP exam (limits, trig derivatives, and so on). The main lesson for today is Section 7.3, on separable differential equations. But as expected, this lesson is a bit rushed -- after I show them a few examples, there isn't enough time for the word problems.

In Trig class, we proceed with Section 4.2. This section is on various transformations that can be applied to basic trig graphs -- changing the period, reflecting about an axis, and vertical translation. But I plan only on covering only periods of sine and cosine today. Even so, I also find myself rushing to give all the examples that I wish to show the students.

This is the second time that I must cover the PE class during first period. Since it's an all-classes Monday, the students must only stretch out and do exercises on a mat. I stretch along with the students -- and the reason I do so is evident when I notice that there's a scale in the room where the guys get dressed. Sure enough, it reveals that I've gained weight since the last time I've stepped on a scale.

The reason for this is obvious. During the pandemic, I've been afraid to exercise for long periods since hard workouts cause me to sneeze (and possibly test positive for COVID). And recall that one of my old sources of healthy food -- the school cafeteria -- has been shut off to teachers. A local grocery store used to sell some easy-to-grab salads -- then abruptly stopped having them just over a month ago.

Today is Friday, the first day of the week on the Eleven Calendar:

Resolution #1: We take pride in our own work and cite our sources.

I don't do a Stats article today, but I do see that they're proud of their work, academically and physically.

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