Links/Resources

Calculator Recommendations

Calculator usage will be minimal in the classroom.  As we move further into Algebra, a calculator is sometimes more of a hindrance than a help.  That being said, when we do need them, we'll use them!  The calculators available for use at school are the TI-30XS and the TI-83/84 family of calculators.  These are my favorites and the ones I am most knowledgeable on.  If you want to purchase a calculator for your student, please try to get one of these.  Using a different calculator from the ones we learn on at school can be frustrating for kids (and parents) if the steps to do a specific task are different.  

Grades 7-10 will be using the TI-30XS while grades 11-12 will use the TI-83/84 most of the time.  The TI-30XS will run you about $20 while the TI-83/84 can be anywhere from $75 to $140 new, depending on how fancy you get.  If you are planning to continue your math adventure in college, I would strongly suggest purchasing your own graphing calculator but it is absolutely not necessary.   

Parents, if you have ANY questions about what to purchase (if you are so inclined) please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer them. 

Click on the retailers below to check availability and prices. These were the lowest priced versions I could find at the time but that may have changed.  eBay also has very reasonably priced used calculators.

For at home use, any smartphone is capable of acting as a calculator.  I will also be demonstrating how to use Desmos, a free on-line or app based graphing calculator.  A separate calculator can help limit some distractions that arise when students are using their phones as calculators but they are NOT necessary.