Math Talk: Don't Jump to Conclusions!--Interpreting Statistics

Part of the 20-volume Math Talk series, this video offers thematically arranged segments from the award-winning children's series Square One TV. Animated characters Maria Lopez and Buster the Parrot are hosts of a call-in talk show on mathematic topics; this one is on interpreting statistics. Three Square One segments are used: a Max Headroom parody (kids may be too young to remember him!) teaching the importance of an accurate sample, a game show excerpt about probability, and a Late Night with Dave Letterman send-up illustrating the importance of the "human factor" in using graphs. The segments are entertaining, and the main lesson--to use common sense when interpreting numbers--is clear. However, it's all somewhat disjointed, and the rehashed combination of mediums (flat cartoons, computer animation, live-action) doesn't really mesh well. Teacher, parent, and student activity guides are available. An optional purchase. Part of a 5-video subject area pack called Probability and Statistics, the other subject area packs (5 videos each) are Number Sense, Measurement, and Geometry. Aud: I. (E. Gieschen)