9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades  Project 3 weeks

Quality Quest: Unraveling the Data Mysteries!

Barbara Volpe
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Purpose

This project immerses students in the practical application of quality control tools and statistical process control techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of how these methods maintain and improve production standards. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, students will actively construct, analyze, and interpret data using various quality tools, such as control charts and cause and effect diagrams. By collaborating with industry experts and engaging in reflective practices, students will connect their academic learning to real-world applications, enhancing their problem-solving skills and preparing them for future challenges in quality assurance fields.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of quality control tools and their applications, including constructing and interpreting X-Bar and R Charts, histograms, and Pareto charts. They will learn to identify and analyze special cause patterns in control charts to maintain and improve production quality. Through collaboration with industry experts, students will apply statistical process control techniques to real-world scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving and analytical skills. The project will culminate in students effectively communicating their findings and insights through public presentations and workshops, demonstrating their ability to connect academic concepts to practical applications.
Standards
  • Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.ID.A.1: Represent data with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and box plots).
  • Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.IC.B.6: Evaluate reports based on data.
  • NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

Students will produce a series of educational videos demonstrating the use of quality tools like histograms and Pareto charts, which will be featured in a public exhibition. They will also design and build a mini-production line model to apply control charts, showcasing their ability to monitor and enhance product quality. This model will be presented to community partners as a demonstration of their skills.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Statistical Sleuth Challenge', where students collaborate in teams to solve a mystery using statistical process control techniques. This engaging activity encourages students to apply their knowledge of quality tools, such as control charts and Pareto charts, in a real-world context. Culminate the launch with a group presentation, where students share their findings and strategies, setting the stage for deeper exploration and learning throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Control Chart Gallery Walk' where they display their X-Bar and R Charts, inviting visitors to engage with their analyses and findings. Additionally, they will lead a 'Root Cause Analysis Workshop,' conducting hands-on activities to teach attendees how to perform root cause analysis with real-world scenarios. This exhibition will allow students to demonstrate their understanding and application of quality control tools, fostering interaction with community partners and showcasing their learning journey.