MAS 170 Elementary Statistics Spring 2026
Course Syllabus

  David W. Lyons, Professor
  Department of Mathematical Sciences
  Lebanon Valley College
  Email: lyons (at) lvc.edu
  Phone: (717) 867-6081
  Office: LYN 283H

last update: 2025-12-26

Course policies and calendar are subject to change, at the discretion of the instructor.

Course Information

1 Course Description
2 Required Text(s)
3 Reading and Exercises
4 Required Calculator
5 Required Technology
6 Course Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes
7 Course Calendar

Learning and Study

8 Learning
9 Study Strategies
10 Portfolio

Graded Work

11 Grade Components
12 Graded Exercises
13 Quizzes and Exams

Course Policies

14 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit
15 Letter Grades
16 Attendance
17 Class Engagement
18 Collaboration versus Plagiarism
19 Academic Honesty Policy
20 Equivalent Instructional Activities
21 LVC Policies and Statements
22 Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

Course Information

1 Course Description

This course is an introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics. We emphasize qualitative understanding and judgment in the use of statistics, addressing questions such as when conclusions based on statistics are justified or meaningful. Topics may include design of experiments, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, probability, sampling and hypothesis testing.

  Credit Hours: 3
  LVC General Education Component: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) 
  Prerequisite(s): (none)

2 Required Text(s)

See the Reading and Exercises section below.

3 Reading and Exercises

Texts
   [F] Freedman et al., Statistics, 4th edition
   [L] Lyons, Elementary Statistics Supplementary Notes

----|-----------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------
    |     Complete the Reading and submit Reading Exercises     | Complete Follow-up Exercises
    |             solutions the night before class              |    before the unit quiz
----|-----------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------
Unit|     Reading      |           Reading Exercises            |     Follow-up Exercises     
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 1  |[F] Ch 1          |                                        |
    |[L] 1.1           |                                        |Ex:1
    |[F] Ch 2          |A:1,2,7,8,11                            |Rev:1,3,5,8,10,11,12
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 2  |[F] Ch 3 Sec 1--4 |A:1adf,2,3,4 B:1,2 C:1,2,3 D:1,2        |Rev:1,2,4,5,6,7
    |[L] 1.2           |                                        |Ex:1,2
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 3  |[L] 1.3           |                                        |
    |[F] Ch 4	       |A:1,2,5 B:1,2,6 C:1,4,5 D:1,6,9 E:1,5   |Rev:1,2,4,5,6,7
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 4  |[F] Ch 5	       |A:1,2 B:1,2,3 C:1,2,3 D:1,2,3 E:1,2 F:1 |Rev:1,2,3,7,8,9,11
    |[L] 1.4           |                                        |Ex:1,2
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 5  |[F] Ch 6	       |                                        |Rev:1,2,3
    |[L] 2.1           |                                        |
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 6  |[L] 1.5           |                                        |Ex:1
    |[F] Ch 8	       |A:1,2,3,4 B:2,4,5 C:1,3 D:1             |Rev:1,3,7,8,10
    |[L] 1.6.1         |                                        |
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------     
 7  |[F] Ch 9	       |A:1,2,3,4 B:1,3,4 C:3 D:2 E:2,4,5       |Rev:1,2,3,4,5,8,10,11
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 8  |[F] Ch 10         |A:1,2,3,4 B:4 C:1,2 D:2 E:1,3           |Rev:1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 9  |[F] Ch 11         |A:3,4,5 B: 1,2,3 C:3 D:1,7 E:1,2        |Rev:1,3,4,5,7,12
    |[L] 1.6.2         |                                        |Ex:1,2
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 10 |[F] Ch 12         |A:1,3 B:3                               |Rev:1,2,4
    |[L] 2.2           |                                        |
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 11 |[F] Ch 13 Sec 1--4|A:1,2,3,4 B:1,2,3,4 C:1,2,3,4           |D:1,2 Rev:1,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,11
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 12 |[F] Ch 14         |A:1,2,4 B:2,3,4 C:3,4,5 D:3,4           |Rev:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
    |[L] 1.7.1         |                                        |
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------    
 13 |[F] Ch 15         |A:1,2,3,4,5                             |Rev:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
    |[L] 1.7           |                                        |Ex:1,2
    |[L] 2.3           |                                        |
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 14 |[F] Ch 16         |A:1,4,5 B:1,2,3 C:1,2                   |Rev:1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 15 |[F] Ch 17	       |A:1,3,6 B:2,4,6 C:1,2,3 D:2,3,4 E:1,2,7 |Rev:1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12
    |[L] 1.8.1,1.8.2   |                                        |
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 16 |[F] Ch 18	       |A:1,2,5 B:1,2,3 C:1,2,5                 |Rev:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14
    |[L] 1.8           |                                        |Ex:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 17 |[F] Ch 19	       |A:1,2ab,4,5                             |Rev:1,7,9,10
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 18 |[F] Ch 20 Sec 2--5|A:1,2,3,4,5 B:1,2 C:1,2,4               |Rev:1,2,3,7,8,9,11,12
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 19 |[F] Ch 21	       |A:1,2 B:1,2,3 C:1,2,5 D:1 E:1,2         |Rev:1,2,3,8,10,11,15
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 20 |[F] Ch 23	       |A:1,3,5,9 B:1,5,6 C:1,3,4 D:1,6,7       |Rev:1,2,3,10,11,12
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 21 |[F] Ch 24	       |A:1,4abc,5 B:1,2 C:1,4,7                |Rev:1abcde,2,3,7,9
    |[L] 2.4           |                                        |
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------
 22 |[F] Ch 26 Sec 1--5|A:1,4,5 B:1,2,5 C:1,3 D:1,3,5 E:1,2,3   |Rev:1,2,3,5,9
----|------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------

4 Required Calculator

A scientific calculator is required for some homework and quizzes. You will not be allowed to use a calculator on a phone, a computer, or on a tablet during quizzes. Business and graphing calculators calculators are allowed, but not required.

5 Required Technology

PDF scanner app for your phone (or other device) for scanning your work on one or more pages into a single pdf file (scan-to-pdf capability is a built-in feature of Android and Apple phones; there are also many free apps)
Canvas app for your phone (or other device) for submitting your work

6 Course Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes

The primary goal of the course is understanding and proficiency in the use of mathematical concepts. Student learning objectives are proficiency in reading, analysis and problem solving, and clear, concise communication. Achievement of goals and objectives requires desire for learning, willingness to work hard, time commitment (two hours outside of class for every one hour in class), and persistence.

Learning Outcomes Summary. Understanding and using the mathematical concepts of this course, a student who achieves the course learning objectives will:

demonstrate proficiency in reading skills
demonstrate proficiency in analysis and problem solving skills
demonstrate proficiency in clear, concise communication skills

7 Course Calendar

Dates, times, and locations for all meetings and assignments are kept up to date in two places. See the Instructor's Schedule for the following information.

Meeting times and locations for classes
Location and times for office hours
Professor contact information
Dates and times for final exams

See the Canvas calendar for the rest.

Assignment due dates
Quiz and Exam dates

All dates are subject to change.

Learning and Study

8 Learning

The process of reading, learning vocabulary, solving problems, and writing is the only way to achieve real understanding and skills. No one else can read, think, or write for you. It can be very helpful to watch other people solve problems and explain ideas in class, in a video, in a study group, or in a tutoring session, but there is no substitute for study that you do yourself.

The time expectation for out-of-class work is two hours outside of class for every one hour of class meeting time. Plan your study time in your weekly schedule.

The quality of your out-of-class study translates directly into success. Low effort or too little study time guarantees lack of success in the course; consistent high quality studying guarantees a positive learning experience. Here is an outline of the work flow for each section in the text(s).

BEFORE class. Read the text material indicated on the course calendar. Write solutions to problems (see the "Reading and Exercises" list above) and submit them to Canvas. Note your questions, problems, and difficulties. In the reading, where, precisely, do you have trouble understanding? With the problems, what, precisely, is obstructing you from completing a solution?
AFTER class. Review text material from previous class meetings. Make vocabulary study cards (or study lists) for terminology, facts, and formulas; make sure your study card list is complete. Solve and check solutions to all of the remaining problems in the "Reading and Exercises" list above.
BEFORE each quiz/exam. Assess your progress and proficiency. Have you addressed all the questions and difficulties noted previously? Rehearse vocabulary using the cards or lists you have prepared. Practice solving problems using a timer. Follow up on any questions or gaps that remain.
AFTER each quiz/exam. Assess (again!) your progress and proficiency. Rework and check solutions to all quiz problems for which you received less than full credit. Follow up (again!) on any questions or gaps that remain.

9 Study Strategies

Plan for two hours of study outside of class for each hour of class.
Keep an organized paper binder or electronic notebook with reading notes, homework solutions, and class notes (see the Portfolio section below). Mark your questions clearly with sticky notes or some other device and follow up every question, either in class or in office hours, until you gain understanding.
After reading, summarize the material in your own words.
Use electronic or hard copy flash cards or lists to learn vocabulary. Write each term on one side of a card. Write a definition (using complete sentences, not sentence fragments) and an example on the back of the card.
To prepare for quizzes and exams, do the following, beginning some days to a week in advance.
- Make an outline of course topics and problem types.
- Memorize vocabulary, including examples.
- Work and check solutions to problems from previous quizzes, exams, and homework.
If clock management during quizzes/exams is an issue, practice working a few quiz/exam style problems once a week with a timer running.
If test anxiety has a negative effect on your performance, here is some advice.
Do not become sleep deprived. Trading sleep for study time is counterproductive.
Eat a healthy diet and exercise every day. Eating poorly and lack of physical activity reduce your mental abilities.

10 Portfolio

Keep your work organized. Use electronic or hard copy media, whatever works best for you. Whatever method you use, it should be designed to facilitate sorting, searching, planning, and tracking. A complete portfolio includes:

Progress tracking sheet(s) (make a copy of the Reading and Exercises list that you can use for checking off the work you have completed)
Vocabulary notecards or study sheets (here are example notecards)
Reading and class notes
Solved exercises

Your portfolio is an essential tool for learning; it is also an essential instrument for diagnosis and improvement. Bring your portfolio to class meetings and to office hours.

Graded Work

11 Grade Components

Your cumulative average is determined by graded work in the categories listed below with the indicated weights. Due dates are shown on Canvas. Details and instructions are given in the sections that follow.

  Graded Exercises       10%
  Quizams                90%

12 Graded Exercises

Reading the text(s) and solving problems is the largest part of your work in this course, and most of it takes place outside of class. To show evidence of your progress, you will submit solutions to "pre-class exercises" (see the Reading and Exercises section above) online on Canvas. Your work may be typed or written by hand. Your work must be submitted as a single pdf file, whether it is handwritten or typed. Work is not accepted late. There are no makeup assignments.

Solutions will be graded for preparation and completeness, not for correctness. For full credit, all solutions must show evidence that you have read the material and must show evidence of your thinking and understanding. You are not expected to solve all of the problems perfectly, but you are expected to try.

Exercise Solutions Grading Rubric

Category Description

Complete All of the assigned exercises are attempted. Solutions show evidence that you have read the material and made a sincere attempt to solve the problems. Solutions show evidence of your thinking and understanding.

Partially complete Any one or more of the following apply: one or more solutions are not complete; one or more solutions disregard the reading; one or more solutions do not show evidence of your thinking; some of the submission is not readable.

No credit Solutions show no effort to express the main ideas, are unreadable, or are submitted after the deadline.

Exercise Solutions Grading Rubric
Category	Description
Complete	All of the assigned exercises are attempted. Solutions show evidence that you have read the material and made a sincere attempt to solve the problems. Solutions show evidence of your thinking and understanding.
Partially complete	Any one or more of the following apply: one or more solutions are not complete; one or more solutions disregard the reading; one or more solutions do not show evidence of your thinking; some of the submission is not readable.
No credit	Solutions show no effort to express the main ideas, are unreadable, or are submitted after the deadline.

13 Quizzes and Exams

Quiz and exam problems are based on, but not limited to, the assigned reading and exercises. For each quiz or exam, the format and subject matter will be announced in advance.

The final exam period may be used for one last quiz or exam. Part of the final exam period quiz or exam may be cumulative (that is, cover material from the entire semester). The final exam period will also be used for any needed makeup quizzes or exams; see the "Makeup Assignments" policy below. Whether and how the final exam period will be used will be announced near the end of the semester.

Quizzes/Exams: instructions

Quizzes/Exams begin promptly at the start of class. Exceptions will be announced in advance.
Show supporting work for each problem that demonstrates how you found your answers.
Final answers with no supporting work shown receive no credit!
For problems labeled "DISCUSSION", write your solution using one or more complete sentences. Express the main idea of your solution and use appropriate vocabulary from the text to demonstrate your understanding.
When you are finished with the quiz/exam, or when time is called, use your phone to scan and upload your quiz/exam to Canvas.
After uploading your quiz/exam to Canvas, CHECK your upload by logging in to Canvas and viewing your uploaded file. Files that are not uploaded correctly cannot be considered for grading.

Quizzes/Exams: Rules

No consultation with any other person is allowed. The work you submit must be your own.
No books, no notes, no computers, no phone.
Phones are allowed only for scanning your finished quiz/exam.
A scientific calculator is allowed and sometimes required. No phone calculator allowed.
Business and graphing calculators calculators are allowed, but not required.
No earbuds, no air pods, no headphones.
No hat brims or other clothing that covers the eyes.

Quizzes/Exams: Honor Pledge

By checking and initialing the Pledge box at the top of the quiz/exam, you attest to the following statement:
- "I have not given or received any unauthorized help on this quiz/exam. This work is my own."

Quizzes/Exams: Grading

For full credit, quiz/exam solutions must show not just final results, but also demonstrate with appropriate supporting work and using appropriate vocabulary that you understand the reasoning involved. Some solutions (marked by the label "DISCUSSION") must be written in narrative form, using one or more complete sentences. Solutions will be graded not only for mathematical correctness, but for clarity of writing. Illegible work or a final answer given without supporting work shown receives no credit.

Here is the grading rubric for solutions to quiz/exam problems.

Quiz/Exam Grading Rubric

Category Description

Complete and correct The solution is complete and correct, shows appropriate supporting work, and uses appropriate vocabulary from the text(s). Calculations and logical reasoning are correct. Solutions to problems marked "DISCUSSION" are written using one or more complete sentences.

Substantive progress The solution shows understanding of facts, methods, and issues involved, but does not meet the description of "complete and correct".

Some progress The response shows plausible evidence that some aspect of the problem is grasped, but does not meet the description of "substantive progress".

No progress The response is blank, illegible, or shows no plausible evidence that some key aspect of the solution is grasped.

Quiz/Exam Grading Rubric
Category	Description
Complete and correct	The solution is complete and correct, shows appropriate supporting work, and uses appropriate vocabulary from the text(s). Calculations and logical reasoning are correct. Solutions to problems marked "DISCUSSION" are written using one or more complete sentences.
Substantive progress	The solution shows understanding of facts, methods, and issues involved, but does not meet the description of "complete and correct".
Some progress	The response shows plausible evidence that some aspect of the problem is grasped, but does not meet the description of "substantive progress".
No progress	The response is blank, illegible, or shows no plausible evidence that some key aspect of the solution is grasped.

Course Policies

14 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit

A makeup quiz/exam will be given during the final exam period for anyone who has one or more excused quiz/exam before the last day of class. The length of the makeup quiz/exam may vary, depending on how many have been missed.

Format and instructions for a makeup quiz/exam will be announced in advance.

There are no makeups for quizzes/exams that were missed during unexcused absence(s). There are no makeups for graded exercises. There are no extra credit assignments.

15 Letter Grades

Meaning of letter grades

According to the College Catalog, letter grades have the following meanings.

   Letter Grade     Meaning
   ------------     ------
        A           excellent
        B           good
        C           satisfactory
        D           requirements and standards met at a minimum level
        F           course requirements not met

Standards for "excellent" and "good" (letter grades A and B) are high. In this course, your grade reflects your proficiency with the material. A good grade is not guaranteed by class attendance and performing the motions of homework; to earn an A or a B, you must demonstrate understanding that transcends mere rote familiarity.

Determination of letter grade

At the end of the semester, your cumulative course average is used to assign a letter grade. The scale used to convert cumulative averages to letter grades is based on the "standard 10 point scale" (A-,A for the 90 to 100 percent range, B-,B,B+ for percentages in the 80's, C-,C,C+ for the 70's, etc.), but the scale may be adjusted, at the discretion of the instructor, so that the meanings of the letter grades fit the descriptions given in the previous section. Pluses and minuses are used to distinguish between the low, middle and high achievers within each letter grade category.

Note on mid-term grades: Pluses and minuses are not used for midterm grades.

16 Attendance

Class attendance is expected, but it is understood that sometimes there are reasonable circumstances for absence ("absence" refers to missing some or all of a class meeting---this includes arriving late or leaving early). Absence from class may be excused, at the discretion of the instructor, for certain events planned in advance or for emergency, illness, or circumstance beyond your control. Here is the procedure to follow if you wish to have an absence excused.

Send the instructor email notice of your absence as far as possible in advance, with a complete explanation for the purpose of your conflicting event.
In the case of illness, emergency, or other circumstance where advance notice is not possible, speak to the instructor or send an email message as soon as it is practically possible. Except for extreme circumstances, your notice is due by 5pm on the day of the absence. Collect documentation (doctor's notes, etc) and send them to the instructor by email.

You will receive a grade of "Excused" for any assignment that you miss due to an excused absence. An "Excused" grade does not count for you or against you in your cumulative average. You will receive a grade of zero for any assignment that you miss on a day when you have an absence that is not excused.

17 Class Engagement

The purpose of class meetings is to pursue understanding and proficiency with the course material. This requires mental presence, engagement with the subject, and participation. Class meetings presume respect, politeness, and kindness among all those in attendance. In consideration for the learning environment, please observe the following.

No food is allowed during class.
Phones, laptop computers, and tablet devices are allowed, but only for accessing the course materials and for taking notes.
To discourage bad habits, use of electronic devices is allowed only in seats where the instructor can pass freely behind your seat and see your screen(s) with an unobstructed view.
Except for emergencies, please do not leave the class meeting once class begins. If you need to leave before the end of class, please inform the instructor before class begins.

18 Collaboration versus Plagiarism

You are encouraged to collaborate with classmates and ask questions of the instructor or consult any source for homework. You must work hard to avoid plagiarism, which is presenting someone else's ideas or work as your own. The work you submit must be your own. Your writing must be your own voice and your own understanding. You must use proper academic citation for any material created by others. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense; penalties range from failing the course to expulsion from the college.

19 Academic Honesty Policy

It is expected that each student in this class will act with honesty and academic integrity. Procedures for instances of academic dishonesty are described in the College Catalog.

20 Equivalent Instructional Activities

In the event of a canceled class, work on your portfolio (see the Portfolio Section). Making your portfolio more complete, more thorough, and more clear is the best possible thing you can do to replace missed class meeting time. This extra portfolio work will count in the category "Blogs and Journals" in the "Equivalent Instructional Activities" document on the web pages of the LVC Registrar.

21 LVC Policies and Statements

LVC policies and statements required for all course syllabi, from the Office of Academic Affairs

22 Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

[Quantitative Reasoning (QR) is a component of the LVC General Education Core Curriculum. QR learning outcomes are addressed in course assignments and class activities. The following material is quoted from the LVC website and documents from Academic Affairs.]

QR Description: Reason about and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of contexts. Read, understand, and create arguments supported by quantitative evidence and clearly communicate those arguments using a variety of formats. Learn to make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions based on the quantitative analysis of data.

QR Learning Outcomes

Students will understand information presented in mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words), including the ability to learn about and interpret unfamiliar quantitative structures.
Students will convert relevant information into various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
Students will make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions based on the quantitative analysis of data, while recognizing the assumptions used and other limits of the analysis.
Students will clearly express the results of the interpretation, representation, application, and analysis of quantitative information in an effective format.

MAS 170 Elementary Statistics Spring 2026 Course Syllabus

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