What type of calculator should I buy?
The math department and Gilbert High School staff continue to look at the best implementation of Chromebooks, which may change the recommendations.
Algebra: A calculator will be used frequently in this class. However, a graphing calculator is not required for class. Students may use online calculators such as Desmos when a graphing calculator is needed for a class activity.
Geometry: A calculator that can do trigonometry functions is needed for class. However, a graphing calculator is not required for the class. Students may use online calculators such as Desmos during class but not on a quiz/test. Students may borrow a calculator from the classroom set for a quiz/test if one is available.
Advanced Algebra: Students will use a calculator is some format frequently in class. While a graphing calculator is recommended it is not required since students can also use online calculators such as Desmos and phone apps in class.
Advanced Math/Pre-Calculus: A graphing calculator will be used on an almost daily basis and is a tool that students will be expected to have access to. I suggest most students get a TI-84 unless they plan major in a field like mathematics or engineering. The TI-89 can be used on the AP Calculus test but it cannot be used on the ACT test. Also, some colleges allow the use of a TI-89 and others do not. The use of a TI-89 may even vary from class to class within a college. Many students find the TI-84 easier to use than the TI-89. If your son or daughter already has a graphing calculator but a different model, please do not get another graphing calculator at this time. Students will usually not be allowed to use their Chromebooks or phones on a quiz/test on a calculator quiz/test. The school does possess a classroom set of TI-84’s which students can use if available. If students are unable to purchase a calculator, there is access to online software that can be used or arrangements can be made with the instructor to check out a calculator. There will also be times we use online tools in addition or in place of graphing calculators.
Calculus: A graphing calculator will be a necessity in order to complete homework assignments and tests. The TI-89, TI-92, TI Voyage and TI-Nspire CAS are all calculators that possess the required capabilities, however only the TI-89 and the TI- Nspire CAS are permitted on the AP Calculus Exam. Many students have successfully completed the course and AP Exam with TI-84 and other kinds of calculators so a TI-89 in not required for class.
Statistics and Math Applications: While a calculator is needed, a graphing calculator is not required for Statistics or Math Applications. However, a graphing calculator will be helpful for some topics in Statistics.
A note about the TI-Nspire:
The latest technology from Texas Instruments is the TI-Nspire. There are a few different versions of this calculator and any of them would work for any of our classes. However, since we do not have a classroom set of these calculators--keystrokes used in class may not be identical (especially for the TI-Nspire with CAS).
For more information on the TI-Nspire, please visit:
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/graphing_course_comparision.html
A note about the TI-83:
The TI-83 and TI-84 are nearly identical to one another. The main difference between them is that the TI-84 has far greater memory space and processor speed. The TI-84 also possesses a USB port that permits it to be easily connected to a computer as well as data collection devices. The TI-83 and TI-84 key strokes are identical.
SINCE MOST MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE TI-84 AT GILBERT, IT WILL BE EASIEST FOR STUDENTS TO FOLLOW CLASSROOM DIRECTIONS IF THEY HAVE A TI-83 OR TI-84.