How do you know what is true? How can math help you understand games, science, news stories, and everyday claims? How can you tell whether a result is meaningful or just happened by chance?

This course is about using statistics to make sense of the real world. We will learn how probability works, how to design valid surveys and experiments, and how to read studies, news stories, and online claims with a critical eye.

Students will use computers for harder calculations and learn useful tools such as averages and p-values. We will also look at bias, misinformation, unfair uses of statistics, and how numbers can be used to confuse or mislead people.

By the end of the course, students will be better able to judge claims, understand research, spot misleading statistics, and design their own investigations.

All welcome. No prior math experience is required, and this class emphasizes understanding and discussion over calculation.