Education Technology


Cancer Clusters

Activity Overview

Students will investigate cancer incidence rates in a number of states. Hypothesis testing is introduced and used along with a two-proportion z-test to compare cancer rates. This activity helps students to determine when a difference in data is actually statistically significant. This should encourage students to think carefully about claims made (for instance the presence of cancer clusters) and give them the tools to scrutinize these claims using statistical methods.

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first page. Download and distribute the attached student TI-Nspire document (.tns file) and student worksheet for use during the activity.

During the Activity

Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.

After the Activity

Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity.