Probability for K-8 Teachers

Questions for the February 25, 2006 Class

1. Please give a short definition of statistics and a short definition of probability.  Are the two related?  Can they be taught independently of each other or is it of value to sometimes teach them together.

2. In general, what is the roll of technology (computers, calculators, the world wide web, etc…) in the classroom?  Does technology have a roll to play when teaching statistics and probability?  Is this roll in any way different than the roll technology plays in teaching other mathematics subjects?

3. Is statistics and probability in the mathematics classroom just a different way to get students to do calculations and learn math skills or is there a greater reason for teaching statistics and probability?