Graphing Calculator Suggestions
IMPORTANT: Students are not required to purchase graphing calculators for Algebra 1B. I have a classroom set we will use everyday in class. I think purchasing one is a good idea but they are expensive.
Graphing Calculator: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus or TI-84 C Plus (the "C" stand for color) which will be used throughout your high school careers
It’s not worth saving $20 to buy a cheaper model. I will teach you how to use this specific calculator. Also, when shopping for a calculator, there are several terms you should be familiar with. The ‘silver edition’ is cool--the only difference is the amount of memory; the keystrokes are exactly the same. The TI-84 Plus is an advanced version of the 83-Plus allowing it to hook up to your computer via a USB port. Again, this is neat but not a necessary feature for middle school or high school. However, there IS a difference between the 83 and the 83-Plus. The 83-Plus has an applications menu, which you will use extensively for the next 8 years of school. PLEASE, do not buy anything besides an 83 Plus or 84 Plus (the TI-Nspire is too complicated/expensive for our needs AND it's not currently allowed on our CO state tests).
Unfortunately, even though we've begun to use computers in the classroom and cheap graphing programs for the computer can do everything we need, you do still need a graphing calculator to take standardized tests. Those tests do not allow the use of calculators programs on computers or phones or iPod/iPad-type devices. The $100 or so you'll spend on a good calculator is well worth the increased score on the tests. (If you're looking for a good calculator program for your mobile device, check out Desmos or Geogebra.)
Graphing Calculator: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus or TI-84 C Plus (the "C" stand for color) which will be used throughout your high school careers
It’s not worth saving $20 to buy a cheaper model. I will teach you how to use this specific calculator. Also, when shopping for a calculator, there are several terms you should be familiar with. The ‘silver edition’ is cool--the only difference is the amount of memory; the keystrokes are exactly the same. The TI-84 Plus is an advanced version of the 83-Plus allowing it to hook up to your computer via a USB port. Again, this is neat but not a necessary feature for middle school or high school. However, there IS a difference between the 83 and the 83-Plus. The 83-Plus has an applications menu, which you will use extensively for the next 8 years of school. PLEASE, do not buy anything besides an 83 Plus or 84 Plus (the TI-Nspire is too complicated/expensive for our needs AND it's not currently allowed on our CO state tests).
Unfortunately, even though we've begun to use computers in the classroom and cheap graphing programs for the computer can do everything we need, you do still need a graphing calculator to take standardized tests. Those tests do not allow the use of calculators programs on computers or phones or iPod/iPad-type devices. The $100 or so you'll spend on a good calculator is well worth the increased score on the tests. (If you're looking for a good calculator program for your mobile device, check out Desmos or Geogebra.)
