Customer Reviews

Using Statistics in Science Projects, Internet Enhanced (Science Fair Success)

5 star:		(2)
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I made the mistake of procrastinating for a test. One workable approach is the building block approach: DON'T PANIC; just break a complex task, such as studying statistics, into achievable chunks or steps. Krieger's book is an excellent first step, except for two minor mistakes in the book; they are not serious problems for the alert reader-student. The first minor mistake is a reversal of computation numbers, and the second minor mistake is a reference to the wrong table or chart. With many other publications, I might ask: doesn't the author-editor care enough to proofread and edit? In fact, finding the mistakes is an excellent exercise in acute observation for the future statistician-scientist. As an objective reader-student, I agree: Melanie's book is a logical, well organized, clearly written book. Five stars.

This is THE definitive science fair statistics book and should be mandatory use for all science fair projects. The book is written to the appropriate grade level and is exceptionally clear, simple to apply, and application oriented. I've been judging science fairs all over the U.S. for nearly 30 years and the most glaring consistent shortfall I see in science fair projects is the lack of or poor use of statistics (not the kids' fault since statistics isn't taught in secondary education). If science fair participants used this book, it could single-handedly overcome this problem. I was going to write a similar book, but now I don't need too. There are just 1-2 small points on forecast verification that I'd like to see added and will submit to the author for the 2nd edition. I'm a very critical person and don't give out high praise unless earned, but this book is nearly perfect for science fair students. I recommended all the secondary schools in my district get a copy. Their budgets wouln't allow, so I'm donating copies -- that's how valuable I think this book is. If you're involved with science fairs, buy this book!