Announcements: October
Free Data to Insight MOOC
Starts October 2
“Data to Insight: An Introduction to Data Analysis” is a free online course by leading statistics educator Chris Wild. Professional development for high-school teachers was a core design goal. The course provides a hands-on introduction to modern statistical data analysis, visualization, and inference emphasizing key ideas and practical empowerment. It starts from the statistical basics and steps just enough beyond them for you to provide your students with glimpses of the exciting potential that lies almost within their grasp. The timeline of future courses will be announced on the website.
Police Data Challenge
Pre-register by October 20; submit by November 3
The ASA’s public education campaign, ThisIsStatistics, in collaboration with the Police Data Initiative, has launched the Police Data Challenge—a national contest for high-school and undergraduate students to put their statistical and data visualization skills to work creating safer communities. Data sets from metropolitan police departments in Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Seattle are available for participants to peruse in formulating analyses and recommending innovative solutions to enhance public safety. Teams of two to five high-school or college undergraduate students in the United States and Canada can submit an entry. What’s required? A short essay describing the team’s process and a presentation of their analysis and recommendations via PowerPoint. Awards will be given in the categories of Best Overall Analysis, Best Visualization, and Best Use of External Data. Submissions are due by Friday, November 3.
The Actuarial Foundation Announces New Mathematical Academic Competition: Modeling the Future Challenge
Registration ends October 25; deadline for submissions is November 25
The Actuarial Foundation is encouraging high-school students across the country to exercise their math muscles. The foundation announces the launch of a new scholarship competition, Modeling the Future Challenge. The inventive new program asks students to develop mathematical models for how the autonomous vehicle industry will change the future during the next 10 years. The challenge allows students to learn how mathematics applies to real-world industries and technologies by researching, analyzing, and predicting risks and opportunities. Registration for the challenge ends October 25, and the deadline for submissions is November 25. Finalists will be announced in December and brought to New York City in February 2018 to participate in the Modeling the Future Symposium, where they will meet with professional actuaries, learn about college and career opportunities, and present their mathematical models to a judging panel for the chance to win one of four scholarships totaling $55,000. For more information, visit the Modeling the Future Challenge website and view the Modeling the Future Challenge video.
Florida Chapter of ASA Announces New Poster Competition for Florida High-School Students
Registration is due by November 1; Electronic poster submissions are due by November 15
The poster competition for Florida high-school students will highlight student abilities in data analysis and statistics. Registration is due by November 1, 2017, and electronic poster submissions are due by November 15. Information about the ASA national poster competition and competitions in other regions is available online.
For other upcoming learning opportunities, please see the Announcements page.
