Glastonbury Public Schools Mathematics Department
Calculators
Calculators and computers are essential tools for learning and doing mathematics. They help us to compute accurately and efficiently and to organize mathematical data. Although a calculator can never substitute for number sense, estimation, and basic mathematical skills, it does free us from tedious computations with very large and very small numbers as well as complex procedures where human errors are more likely to occur.
"Calculators are the word processors of mathematics. A word processor cannot write a story by itself, and a calculator is useless unless it is in the hands of a person who has the problem solving skills to know which buttons to push and when." (Calculators in the Classroom, NCTM Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, November, 2002)
There are many varieties and brands of calculators available. For consistency during instruction, we use Texas Instruments calculators in our mathematics classrooms. Ideally, students should learn to adapt and use a variety of calculator models over the course of their education. A deep and strong understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures will result in more flexible and powerful use of technological tools. A more detailed explanation about the use of calculators in the math classroom can be found through this link to the NCTM Position Paper, "Computation, Calculators, and Common Sense."
Please see specific information about calculators in different grades below:
Grade 8 Algebra and Grades 9-12
Calculators are used extensively in the mathematics courses at Glastonbury High School. For some courses the scientific calculator is sufficient. Graphing calculators are required in all courses beginning with Algebra 1. Class instruction is based on the Texas Instrument 83 or 84 plus series of graphing calculators.
Please note that the TI-89 and higher as well as the TI-Nspire calculators are not permitted.
A limited number of classroom calculators are available for use by students.
TI-84 PlusThe TI-84 Plus is an upgrade to the older TI-83 Plus. It is completely compatible with the TI-83 Plus. The key-by-key correspondence is relatively the same, but the TI-84+ features some improved hardware, more memory (2.5 times faster), and a faster processor speed (3 times faster).
TI-84 Plus Silver EditionThe TI-84 Plus Silver Edition includes more memory and several more additional pre-loaded Apps than the TI-84. The silver edition comes fully loaded with a built-in USB port, which makes data transfer to the computer and between handhelds easier. Changeable faceplates in several colors such as Grey, Pink, Blue, and Dark Pink are available for the TI-84 Silver Edition
Grades 6-8
Scientific calculators are used most often in Grades 6-8. (Use of these calculators may begin as young as 5th grade.)
If a student is enrolled in Algebra 1 in Grade 8 in 2017 - 2018, he or she will need a TI-84 Plus in class.
A variety of Texas Instrument models are used throughout our middle school classrooms and on the ipad as appropriate. For home use, the following scientific calculators are recommended, but not required. All are solar-powered so that batteries are not necessary.
TI-30XS
TI-30XIIS
TI-34II Explorer Plus
