Sanderson M. Smith

The Statistical Odyssey of Herkimer and the Stat Pack Sanderson M. Smith

This is the story about 10 students (the Stat Pack) who are working their way through an introductory course in statistics. They are serious students who progress from introductory statistical concepts to sophisticated topics such as inference and hypothesis testing. Their leader in this educational adventure is Herkimer, a cartoon character who provides stimulating questions and activities to enhance the learning process. Herkimer is not the teacher, but he is always present when Pack members have discussions relating to topics they are studying. He is a Hobbs-like character (for those familiar with the Calvin and Hobbs comic strip) who is visible only to the Pack. There are a total of 108 vignettes in the book, each representing a statistical encounter involving Herkimer and the Stat Pack. After each set of five vignettes, Herkimer provides a break page containing inspirational and mathematical quotes, origins of mathematical words, mathematics history tidbits, humorous probability quizzes, and United States geography activities. The book offers the reader an opportunity to extend his/her knowledge of the geography of the United States, including learning capital cities, state mottos, and the origin of state names. The Separator State Challenges represent a unique set of activities for those wishing to learn about U. S. Geography. Herkimer and the Stat Pack discuss and analyze probability problems involving bingo, poker, craps, bridge, roulette, the California Lottery, the famous birthday problem, and the three-door problem that perplexed mathematicians throughout the country.